Have Your Say: The greatest battle of an autism diagnosis

To the Editors,

When my son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), I thought that one of my greatest battles would be to understand and accept this diagnosis. I am no stranger to living and working with those on the spectrum; a member of my immediate family has autism and I spent 10-plus years working in various roles with children and adults with developmental disabilities, including ASD.

I have seen firsthand the immense love and dedication it takes to raise a child with any form of disability, to navigate a world with little available information, and to find, apply, and be accepted into any form of government financial and therapeutic assistance.