Hi! I’m a Rockford mom whose son was diagnosed with Autism in May of 2006. The first thing I did when the words ‘Autism’ and ‘Asperger’s Syndrome’ were presented to me, was to go home and Google for support groups, specifically targeting Rockford, IL. It was disheartening to see how little there was on the internet for my city.
I wanted to find support groups, local websites full of information about Autism, Asperger’s, IEPs, directions on where to go from here, maybe even tips for how to cope with our unique challenges, and perhaps a blog or two. I found pretty much nothing at all, except support groups that were available in the Chicago suburbs, 90 miles away.
I was fortunate enough to have a niece in the Chicago area who works with special needs children and who could send me websites and books, and direct me toward services and seminars in my area. She was a Godsend to me. At my first seminar, I discovered The NW IL Autism Support Group and Rockford Aspies Support Group, and heard about Easter Seals, Milestone, RAMP and the Arc.
Since then I have found a large network of parents and caring individuals that provide support, direction and information. However, I remember how difficult those first few weeks and months were, and how alone I felt.
I want to reach out to other parents with children on the Spectrum, reach out to others who are on the Spectrum themselves, raise awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders, and to make this world a little smaller in the process.
