A parent's perspective reflection

I learned so much from the parent panel.  I loved how open and honest all the women were.  Their stories really helped to paint a picture of what living with autism is like.

(1) What did not surprise you about what the parents shared with you?
        What didn't surprise me was how different each parent's experiences with autism were.  There were some similarities such as behaviors that their kids have or special interests such as geography.  In addition what didn't surprise me was the frustration that they faced in regards to school and the community not quite understanding their child's specific needs. 
(2) What did surprise you about what the parents shared with you?
        What really surprised me was the difficulty that Dr. L faced with her family.  I felt that she was being very conscious and accomadating by notifying them what to expect in regard's to her son's special needs.  I found it heart breaking that her sister decided that she "couldn't put her kids through that."  What also surprised me was that there were so many similarities between Gretchen and Trudy's families and multiples.  
(3) What was one thing you learned from today's presentation?
      One thing I learned from the presentation was never to under estimate a mother's love.  All three women work so hard to provide the best possible environment for their children.  It really felt as if they were going up against the world in giving their children the best.
(4) Was is one question you would like to have asked today if given the opportunity?
      One question that I would have liked to ask is how their husband's handle living with a child with autism.  I would have loved to have gotten a male perspective.
(5) How does what the parents shared with you today correlate with what you are reading on the blogs you have joined?
      I was absolutely blown away by how much these parents and the family from my blog have in common. My blog family also has multiples like two of the parents have.  In addition, the stress that the school systems create is another similarity.  Finally, the biggest thing was the comment that we all have autistic tendencies.  As my blog puts it- we all have "flecks of autism."