Parade's Tips, Resources for Families of People With Autism

According to one study, one out of every 110 children in America is diagnosed with some form of autism. In a 2011 article, Parade chronicled the lives of several families who manage the highs and lows of autism every day.

Using the families as examples, the article highlights the problems that young adults face when they "age-out" of special education services. Parade has also created a website where families of people with autism can connect; more on that below.

Planning Ahead for Families of Children With Autism

As the article explains, proper planning well in advance of high school graduation dramatically increases the scope of services available to children with autism once they reach young adulthood. (For a list of some additional suggestions for advance planning on the transition to adulthood, check out this article).

But in today's economic climate, no amount of planning will guarantee that a child with autism will be able to find a job or afford college, despite their best efforts.

Finding Support in the Autism Community

Of course, planning can be all the more daunting if you don't have a large support network composed of other families who understand what you are going through. While a qualified special needs planner is a wonderful resource, they may not always be able to answer the day-to-day questions that arise when you are living with a person with autism. That's where a support group comes in.

As part of its online feature on autism, Parade includes information about joining Parade's autism Facebook page, where family members who are interested can interact with one another and provide support and helpful suggestions.

No website or social media platform is going to be a perfect substitute for actual face-to-face contact with other families, but if the stories in Parade make you want to connect, talk to a qualified special needs planner near you about ways to get involved in your community. Not only will you learn more about autism, but you will also be able to make a difference for others.