My wife and I are trying our hardest to raise two kids on the Autism spectrum. We have a boy(8) and a girl(6). Things are incredibly difficult. We get by financially but its tight because I am the only one working now as my wife tries to finish up school for medical diagnostic imaging. Its not the money that worries me, but rather how my children will manage to cope in this world, not just as they grow up but also once were gone.

This is no problem that can be solved. It wont ever go away. We live minute to minute in this family, where once minute things seem ok and the next it is a complete train wreck where were just trying to keep sane and not lose it on our kids. Even the most simple tasks can spark entire disruptive outbursts which just wear us all down time and time again. We rely on some local assistance from experts in this field to help our kids progress and without them we would be completely reliant on the Internet and books for behavioral support and practices. Our kids are smart, my son is actually in a gifted program as well as special needs at school and has managed to do very well in a public school while my daughter shows great aptitude towards sports and outdoor activities but has much difficulty interacting with her peers.

My wife and I know personally how much patience is needed to just get things going in our house. The amount of concentration and devotion necessary is staggering and I know its only a matter of time before they cross paths with someone who lacks such patience and may unfortunately see my kids as easy targets for whatever maladjusted thoughts cross their minds. All the more troubling considering the completely innocent temperament these kids have.

Most people simply don't understand, even other parents. Not that I blame them, this is no problem people are ever prepared for. I know I wasn't. All I would ask is that the next time you cross paths with someone who doesn't fit your stereotypical social template, think twice before you launch into a verbal or physical assault of this person. They could easily have a behavioral disability such as Autism. 1 in 88 is the number thrown around now. That could easily be your child or your grandchild. Families dealing with these disabilities aren't asking for special treatment, unless patience is some sort of special treatment these days.