notes from the underground: a look back at autism one

There’s something rather powerful and profound when you share space with other parents that get it.  Autism One is that space. Rushing from conference to panel.  You see their eyes.  Hear their stories.

The ones hardened by it all.
The poop.
The tantrums.
The utter exhaustion.
But still filled with hope.

Many of us have seen our kids lose language.
Lose skills.
Develop chronic diarrhea with no answers from the western medical world.
And then, ultimately,
disappear.

It’s these legions of moms and dads
thinking far outside the box
that will heal the poor state of healthcare for kids with autism,
and frankly,
everyone who cares enough to listen.

I remember attending Autism One last year, and felt like a freshman being hazed.
The terminology.
The words.
The how-the-hell-can-I-ever-afford-to-do-it-all.
{Well, you can’t, and that’s why there’s what I joke about as the autism credit card}
It’s no joke, though.

I made it through one day at Autism One in 2011,
and felt like my head was going to explode.

My friend Natalie, took my rookie self through it all…

and this year, I was able to do the same for my good friend, fellow autism momma, and blogger alike: Lisa from Stilettos and Diaper Bags.

I spent the better part of the past year, getting a Good Will Hunting degree of sorts in the health issues surrounding autism.  I’m barely scratching the surface.  There’s so much even the most highly-trained physician doesn’t understand.

So, this year, I stayed for 3 of the 5 days of the conference.  Soaked it all in.  Mingled with other like-minded families.

Sure, I wish this would have never happened to my son.
It’s impossible some days.
Exhausting.
Expensive.
Even if a family never pursues biomed, the therapy costs along are astounding.

My Moosey is here to teach us.
Our dietary choices alone have had a ripple effect
on a few close friends and readers of this blog.

I will never stop fighting for my son.
I accept him for all he can become, not as he is
on paper from doctors, therapists, and IEP goals.

Thanks for reading,
Nicolette

{Stay tuned.  I’ll be sharing some information and other gleanings from my excessive note taking this weekend.  Even if you don’t have a child with autism, much of this information will benefit your health}