Hello — I'm Elizabeth.
I am a mother caring for a daughter diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a broad neurological disorder with a wide range of symptoms — and the lives of the parents and caregivers of people with this condition are affected drastically, between the many health challenges and the social stigma that accompanies them.
I have benefited enormously from talking with other parents of autistic children, and from a great deal of research of my own. Creating this website is my way of helping other parents who may be facing the same difficulty I faced raising my lovely daughter.
My belief.
Autism is a condition that affects the patients and their caregivers alike. Even though the CDC has noted that about 1 in 68 people are affected by this condition, I believe it has not been given the attention it deserves. Stigma is one of the biggest problems facing parents of autistic children — and I believe that is because so many people simply do not understand autism, or its impact on the patients and the people who care for them.
Through my many hours of research, I have come to realise that the health conditions and behaviours of people living with autism can improve markedly when the condition is diagnosed on time, and when behavioural therapy and other treatments are begun early. One of the great problems of autism is that parents and caregivers fail to spot the symptoms in time — and even when they do spot the early signs, some are unsure of what to do next.
There are various studies underway aimed at better understanding the cause of the condition and, hopefully, finding a treatment. One such line of research focuses on administering probiotics. Some of these promising studies are held back by lack of funding — and it is my belief that if they were publicised widely enough, they would attract the funds they need to finish the work.
A healthier world for carers and children alike
I look forward to a world where parents caring for children with autism can stay healthy too, while giving their children their very best. I also envision a society where autistic people are better integrated and given every opportunity they need to make their mark.
Help parents understand — and act — sooner
Caring for my daughter has taught me a great deal. For the first time in my life, I was drawn into the loneliness, the difficulty, and the hurt of parents like myself. My goal is to use this site to help similar parents understand autism better, and to share the tips that make caring for our children easier.
Because autism is such a broad neurological condition, its symptoms are broad too. Some of them — problem behaviour especially — can easily be mistaken for the behaviour of a typically developing child, particularly when the child is on the lighter part of the spectrum. I want to help parents identify the symptoms of autism early, so that they can seek medical help early as well.
And beyond helping the parents, I want to educate the public about the impact of autism — because I believe that is the surest way to end the stigma attached to it, and to properly integrate the people living with this condition.
Where this must all lead.
Everyone in this world has an equal right to life and to opportunity. People with autism may face many social and health challenges — but that does not make them any less human. Policies should be enacted to enhance their integration and to accommodate their many challenges. And parents caring for autistic children would carry far less stress if health insurance companies covered autism treatment.
There is a great deal of ongoing research into autism, and I will be delighted if even one of those studies ends in genuine relief for autistic people and their caregivers. Consider this a clarion call to scientists: this field needs your interest.
Above all, I hope to build a vibrant community that supports parents caring for children with autism, so the challenge becomes less crushing for each of us. We can do it by continuously raising awareness, educating the public about the condition, and encouraging parents and caregivers to speak openly about their difficulties.