Writing this on a Xmas day (2017) which symbolises the universal hope. Having a child with autism has its ups and downs. It is easy when everything seems difficult or impossible for one to feel so beaten and loose hope.

I have seen a couple who brought up two children with autism and admired their resourcefulness. I asked them “How did you manage to pull through those difficult times?”

Their answer was simple yet most important. Finding hope in even the difficult time by focusing on a small ray of sunshine – a smile that the little Ines had, a small skill that they have recently acquired or something that they have done (even if a small activity) which parents thought that they would never do). They counted on these small things to build up their hope. When I saw them both parents were very elderly having managed to get the two children in to a good supported living place where they have lots of independence, opportunity to work, mix with people but all in a supported and protected environment.

Hope makes what is seemingly impossible possible. Don’t give up that. That is what makes or breaks. Hope comes from faith ( in whatever you believe in), focusing on positive even small positive and supporting each other to do that.

Have a merry Xmas and a happy new year 2018.

Satheesh