Autism never knew about Facebook

Autism is a mountain, you're standing at the bottom knowing that you must get to the top and each task you perform to integrate this new found friend into your life is one step up the Mountain.

Step one. Make sure you're on the right mountain, while I would normally say to first plan and prepare prior to getting to the Mountain in this particular instance you get no chance to prepare.

Step two. Map out the steps to the top and make a fair forecast of how long it should take. What therapies will you consider, how long do they take to make an impact, who will provide them, how will they be paid for, and who is responsible for measuring effectiveness.

Feeling more confident.

Step three. Tell someone.........UGH........now I remember why I entitled it "Autism never knew about Facebook". In our new world of hourly status updates, friends lists including spouses, parents, children, grandparents, extended family, old schoolmates, old neighborhood buddies, ex girlfriends and boyfriends, coworkers, previous coworkers.......is it starting to sink in.....one click of the mouse and chances are the math will work out. A small group in total shock and a small group skipping that message today but the large majority are going to act sympathetic with the best of intentions.  We know they just don't know and we appreciate the reply that we are probably getting from the carpool line after school, the bleachers of billy's baseball practice or sally's birthday party and just when you want it to end you get the slew of "I know someone who is impacted by this affliction" replies that provide little to no help at all. If you try and go stealth before long it will be revealed via the magic "like" button to which you would have clicked for "Autism Speaks" or "Walk for Autism" and that one click your out to the world by pure assumption. Over a year ago I wouldn't have noticed but now I would never miss it like that blue 240Z. What makes it all worth it though is some really good people in my friends list that are in the same situation my family is in and we have reached out to share our stories. How did I know that one click would open up a new group of support resources, that the Autism community as a whole would embrace us and send us tips and hints daily, that we could communicate with our child's doctors and therapists both in and out of our personal and professional lives. Being initially concerned with how it would be received I would never hesitate to assure parents of autistic children to use Facebook as a fantastic tool and outlet for their family as it has for ours.

Step four.........to be continued!