Several weeks ago, I was attending a meeting where parents of children with Autism were gathered together discussing various topics. Usually these meetings are very uplifting because parents will share fantastic testimonies. On this occasion, there were many new parents of kids diagnosed with ASD and a lot of frustration was felt in the room.  My heart felt extremely heavy for the new families learning about Autism for the very first time.

As we went around the room speaking about our situations, one new parent confided some serious issues, regarding their child.  I sat there in awe, thinking how courageous she was to even confide these concerns to the group, something I knew would be extremely hard for me to do in my very first meeting.

Immediately, another parent spoke up. Although she had already took her turn, this mom exclaimed that she too knew exactly what the woman was dealing with. She had gone through the same experience as well with her own child.

Suddenly, I became overjoyed at being a part of the meeting.  If this mom had not confided her deep issues boldly in front of the group, the other parent would have never revealed her same experience.

It’s in these moments that I understand how powerful communication is to our spirit and soul. The lines of communication must be open whether it is for a caregiver of a child on the spectrum or anyone who needs that human connection.  Communication is essential to our ability to function and to stay mentally healthy. 

Sometimes as caregivers, we can become so bogged down in day to day life situations, that it’s hard to remember that there are others on this journey as well. That is why coming together with other families dealing with ASD is so vital. It reminds me that we should never be afraid to speak on our situations, whether it be the first time or the hundredth time, that bond is essential for everyone on this mission.