Very Interesting topic. My main concern is helping our son let alone helping me cope with his diagnosis. I almost went through the 7 steps of greiving when we found out and still do to this day and original diagnosis was 7 years ago.

It has been 2 years since my sons diaognosis. I think patience is the only healing we can do. This is our job in life to give our children the best life we can give them. I feel I am emotionally strong when my son learns something new and there is nothing in his life I can take for granted. It takes everything we have to be patient and the healing process I think will come on an individual level. I think it is possible to to feel better about autism. Once we can fully understand everything going on in our childrens mind and body. I right now am just learning. I guess only God knows this one and I know my purpose in life, but I dont know my sons yet and helping him find it is a good way to heal from autism.

Jules' you made me think, I guess I had always wondered Alex's purpose? I know he is loved and adored by me, yet what is his mission in life? Parents who get to see their child marry, have families, and careers it is all too obivious of their childs' mission in life, our kiddos' well , stand to be teaching tools to others, the things in life, that are taken for granted.

I guess in a way, I have healed to some extent. when sam was diagnosed five years ago, i was angry, in denial and now acceptance. even though there are days that I get frustrated with everything, Lately, i am more amazed at the changes I see in sam lately. I believe now that it takes very special people to have a child with autism. Did any one us believe years ago that we would grow up and have to deal with this? I didn't and still sometimes I question why but the good days lately are more frequent than the bad days and it is the good days that help me heal and store up energy for the bad days coming. Even though Sam is not nearly as bad in his diagnosis as some of the other children are, I "heal" here with the friendship and advise I found here. I even have ds logged on to favorites at my office lol.
you guys will never know how much you help me everyday.
hugs
julie

Great observation. I am fairly new to this world of autism and like everyone else struggle with it more on some days. It's amazing how great you feel when your child has completed a task he's been working on or had a great day at school. Nothing else is worse than having your child cry but unable to tell you what is wrong. I'm hoping there is some healing in my future. My daughter is so great with my son that I swear she's going to be a wonderful caregiver (very compassionate and very patient). Great thought about what our children's purpose is in life. Can't wait to find out :) On a personal note - I agree with sambod - this site and my new group of friends have been such an important part of my understanding and acceptance of autism. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart! Tina