Autism: A Mother Responds

(CBS/AP)

While many in the media will focus on the numbers, as a friend of mine said to me today (who happens to be both the mother of an autistic child as well as the sister of someone with autism), what this really means is that more families are getting the devastating news than we thought.

Ironically, someone shared with me just yesterday that their son received the diagnosis. Another family who will have to struggle and navigate what to do next.

I remember the day four years ago when I was first told by a doctor that my son was on the autism spectrum. I remember the numbness I felt. I remember how scared I was. I remember that I didn't know what to do first. I remember not knowing how I could best help my son. I remember feeling like I didn't have it in me to be able to help my child.

I feel sad today—to know that there are more families that have to deal with some of these same feelings. But for any parent who has just gotten the news, I would tell you three things from my experience: you can figure it out even though I know it's daunting, you truly are your child's best and possibly only real advocate and in your inevitable exhaustion and stress, don't forget to find enjoyment and delight in your child's every accomplishment, no matter how small it might be.