1st post.. [not the beginning, but a place to start]

I am not an expert on autism. I don't believe anyone can be an expert on autism due to the wide span that this 1 label (autism) covers. Not 1 person with autism is the same. There is no way to master something that is always different, never the exact same. There is also no "cure" for autism. There are ways to improve functionality though!
That said, our family can be described as "chaotic", "withdrawn", "noisy", "quiet", "competitive", "loving" and "complete". All of those descriptions, and more, fit our family perfectly depending on the moment you are witnessing.
Our youngest child, RJ, was diagnosed at age 6. When we received the diagnosis, we weren't shocked or surprised. RJ had shown signs since he was 2. Over the years I have joined support groups, researched homeopathic "remedies", routines and restrictions to help RJ with finding peace when he needed it and I am constantly making adjustments (gradually) and learning how we can keep our family balanced.
RJ is "high functioning" on the spectrum for autism. He can sit through mainstream (aka traditional) classrooms with the help of sped teachers (Special Ed) when he doesn't understand the curriculum and he has OT for motor skills.
Our family isn't "normal" and that makes it special. Our family isn't perfect, and that's ok. We have a lot of love for each other and we're supportive of other families when in need.
I plan to use this blog as a venting space, a place for our stories to be read, new contacts and friends to be made (because a need for support is never ending, and I am willing to share what has helped and what has not to anyone searching for answers as I have and still do).
Please feel free to reach out to me if you are feeling overwhelmed, and I will help research with you. In peace and love,
Brandi <3