Update:  May 4, 2008  (Happy Birthday Uncle John!) It's hard to believe that over a year has gone by since we moved from Illinois to Texas.  We're all doing fine and enjoying the Texas spring!   David has completed 6th grade with A-B honors. We've become very active in the Greater Lewisville Special Education PTSA.  We're having a great time with my brother's family, Beth, Elizabeth & Matt.  I plan on updating my Affiliates as well as additional information on the great work being done in this area for our kids.  Stay tuned.   Donations - March 1, 2007 - Our 2nd Donation Check goes to Center for Developmental Services in Greenville, SC.  The Center for Developmental Services (CDS) is a unique partnership linking individuals and families with multi-disciplinary services for developmental evaluation, treatment, education and support. Within CDS, six organizations collaborate to ensure that individuals with developmental needs and their families reach their full potential.  David received occupational and speech therapy at CDS.  Thank you CDS!! November 10, 2006 - Our 1st Donation Check goes to Greenville County Disabilities & Special Needs Foundation in Greenville, SC. News - The latest CDC study reports autism is now estimated to affect 1 in every 150 children, up from the last study showing 1 in 166 (which itself was up from previous studies, etc.). Hundreds of thousands of Americans have autism and many more are directly impacted. However they got here, they need services (ask any school district if the increase is real!). Most families provide most of the care needed for their loved one with autism, yet only 5% of government spending is directed toward them-- and this is much lower in Illinois. We still rank among the very worst states in providing for families affected by autism and other developmental disabilities. Don't Forget: Friends and Family are finding great products and deals at Cello In A Box - Wonderful company for all your wrapping product needs. I will receive a commission for products sold through this link which means more donations!  Please make sure that you use my representative ID of #1182 if you order product.  Please also visit our Affiliates Section - Order often! Want to see what David is up to?                           Click on BLOG                         Some History: When I sat down to create this site and determine my goals, I realized that like autism, this site would be a work in progress.  I want to provide you with up to date information and resources, and have a dialog with you, so please feel free to e-mail me.  Over the years, I found that as a mother of an autistic son, not only have I learned more than I ever thought possible about autism, but also about myself and how to handle the stress and anxiety of raising a special needs child.  I also discovered that the joy clearly outweighs everything else. Another important goal of mine is to raise money for autism support groups.  As parents of autistic children, we need to focus not only on the day to day issues, but also our long term goal of making sure our children are ready to function successfully as adults.  I know it's hard to put our arms around all of this, but we must.  To help with this personal long term goal, my son and I will be starting a home based business with a portion of our profits being donated to autism support groups such as Autism Society of America.  As I stated before, this site is a work in progress so you will see how David progresses in the business world!   Please visit our Affiliates & Products sections.