PLEASE NOTE: only PARENTS of autistic children will be considered. Therapists, professionals, students: while we appreciate your interest in autism and desire to learn from parents, there are other forums which welcome you. This list is for PARENTS ONLY. Anyone other than parents or guardians will not be considered for any reason.

Many internet lists can be found talking about autism - causes, cures, treatments, therapies, semantics, and terminologies...parenting_autism is an alternative to those.

On parenting_autism list, the focus is on just that - the day-to-day experience of paarenting an autistic child. Here we take off our advocate faces and allow ourselves and each other to talk about our own lives and feelings.

We talk about little ups and downs that make up our lives. The joy of hearing your child say mommy or daddy for the first time; the miracle that is a hug or kiss. The hurt of being continually pushed away; the frustration of trying to toilet-train. The joy of sending your child to school; the frustration of dealing with the school. We trade ideas on discipline, taming tantrums, and behaviours.

Above all, we are honest about how we feel. If someone is having a horrible, 'I wish this wasn't my life' moment, they can safely post this to the list - and receive nothing but empathy and understanding.

**parenting_autism is debate-, argument- and judgement-free. This is not up for interpretation. Any member making judgemental statements about parenting choices will be IMMEDIATELY removed without discussion.** Talking about what works for you is encouraged. Telling others they're wrong not to make the same choices is unacceptable.

Please note that group activity is limited to personal support and chat -- advocacy material, medical forwards, and other non-personal postings are not welcome.