Bill
Thursday, April 30, 2009

I am a family member

Life is a challenge; we plan, set goals, strive to get the things we want and hope to have a life of enjoyment. We dream of retiring and traveling, but sometimes our dreams change. I believe that my life has been guided by many paths and side trips that have brought me to where I am today.

I have six grandchildren, one of whom has autism. It is because of Jace that I have now dedicated my life to the autism community. I have watched him work tirelessly each day with his ABA therapy and have seen the advances he has made in his life. He is now in a regular third-grade class at school. He has shown me that by working hard we can make a difference.

We have a great need at the grassroots level to help all those affected by autism. Families need our support and help in the areas of social integration, insurance legislation, education, interventions and awareness. They also need our understanding of how their life is affected by autism.

In my journey with autism I have learned that one of the strongest groups available for support to the autism community is the grandparents. Unlike parents, who have a full plate living with autism daily, grandparents are at a stage in life where they have the extra time to locate resources to help these children. We, as grandparents, need to become more involved with our grandchildren and in the local chapters of ASA.

Imagine the possibilities that a volunteer group of grandparents could bring about, on both the local and national levels. With their love for their grandchildren, their experiences of life and the additional free time that comes with retirement, there is no end to the possibilities. I would like to challenge all grandparents to join me in setting up a grandparent network of support for those affected by autism.