The Importance of Being An Advocate for Your Child

A recent seminar in Oregon discussed the importance of separating fact from fiction when dealing with people with autism. During this seminar, parents of children with autism spoke of the issues they faced getting a diagnosis and accessing appropriate treatment.

At this seminar, one mother told her story. "Wendy Ricketts is the, mother of an autistic 10-year-old boy.
Ricketts’ son, George, was prone to biting and tantrums as a 3-year-old. The family endured years on a “roller coaster ride” of highs and lows, Ricketts said, as they sought first to identify, and then treat, his condition.“No one seemed to have that silver bullet,” Ricketts said, pausing to collect herself. “We’ve learned to accept that our son is on the autism spectrum. We’re not looking for that silver bullet.”

"Ricketts cautioned parents to develop patience and an acceptance for “the long road” of caring for an autistic child. “You are the best and only true advocate for your child,” she said. “You have to fight hard for your child.”

For information on advocacy please see:

http://advocacyinactionireland.blogspot.ie/2013/03/what-is-self-advocacy.html


For more information and the source of the above quote, please see:

http://around.uoregon.edu/story/autism/seminar-reveals-autism-facts-fiction

©Mary M Conneely T/A Advocacy in Action