As a parent of a child with autism it makes me happy to have a place to share stories and advice. I wanted to share my daughters story with you in hopes that maybe you can pass on some helpful advice to parents that may just be in the beginning stages of finding out that their children are on the autistic spectrum. 17 years ago when my daughter was diagnosed, she was about to start kindergarten. We were contacted by our local regional center and a school for children with special needs was recommended. My wife and I struggled with this suggestion, out of concern for the fact that our non-speaking daughter would be spending the day with other children that did not speak as well. When the school year began we placed our daughter in the local public school in hopes that if anything she would have an opportunity to at least immolate children that were communicating. The first couple of years were a little rough and her peers were not always kind to her, but we could see progress as the years went by. When she reached middle school, she still did not really have any friends, however she would venture more and more outside of her comfort zone and began to learn how to self-advocate. She also began to do a lot better in telling us about her day, which never really happened in Elementary. Now 17 years later my daughter is heading into her senior year with more confidence than ever. She has progressed so far and has done so well academically that this past year it was suggested that she be removed from her IEP and I allowed her to make that decision. She decided she could make it on her own without resource and completed her junior year with straight “A”’s. She now finally has a few friends and stays after school to ask any questions she may have for her teachers. She is even talking about going to college to pursue her passion which is film. She has come a long way from that little girl that would throw herself on the ground out of frustration. I never would have imagined then that she would come as far as she has. I know a lot of these parents that are just beginning their journey with their children on the autistic spectrum are going to hear about the importance of early intervention. I think they need to take that a step further and consider their children’s right to a free public education, where they are also afforded the right to a safe learning environment. I truly believe that a mainstream education is what helped my daughter to become the person that she is today. I am hoping that you will at least share her success with others so that at least they will know that others have tried it and succeeded. Thank you for your time.
My daughter has also stepped out of her comfort zone and started a You Tube channel to express her creative side. I hope people will support her and check out her channel. She goes by the name CarsonGeek (One Word)
Thank you for your time,
AQuinn
