The Autism Spectrum

by Erin Schmidt, MS, CCC-SLP

April 2 celebrates Autism Awareness Day, however, we believe it deserves an entire month to highlight this crucial topic as many families are experiencing life on the spectrum in one way or another.

After working with children with Autism since 1998 as a Speech-Language Pathologist, and then having my own daughter with moderate Autism, I can definitely say that there is no one singular experience that defines "life on the Autism Spectrum."

As a mom, my own journey has been filled with many joys and also intense challenges that, if I did not have the support system I needed, would have broken me, like it almost did. I am so proud of my daughter and how far she has come. Her smile, laugh and tenderness fill my heart with some much happiness and hearing her say, "I love you" is the greatest gift I could ever receive from God.

I am incredibly proud, not just of her, but of all the countless children with Autism who I have had the privilege to work with over the years. I know I am a better person for all the years I have contributed to others.

We celebrate the gifts of Autism and hope to help address some of the challenges. We honor the incredible array of abilities of those on the Autism Spectrum.