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

On the parenting_autism list, the focus is on just that - the day-to-day experience of being a parent of 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 the 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 an autstic child. 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.

If this sounds like a place you'd like to be part of, we'll be glad to have you!

Please note that subscription is open to PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM ONLY! Also, group activity is limited to personal support and chat -- advocacy material, medical forwards, and other non-personal postings are not welcome, and any member sending these and not participating in the support and sharing of the community will be unsubbed.