25%

Chris told me this weekend that 25% of autistic kids are nonverbal. 

He also said that he was starting to lose hope that Gracie will talk so that everyone will understand her.

To which I replied " Well we can't stop hoping because that would be like giving up". When in reality, I had thoughts like that a few weeks ago.

This has been our story through our ups and downs. When one of us gets down the other has to pump them up. 

To be honest, I don't know if she will talk or what the future holds. We just take each day as it comes. But we can never give up hope that she will talk. Doctors won't give us yes or no and I get that. Some people might say we are in denial( I don't think so) but who really knows?

I know she changed greatly in the last 18 months, I know she is making words- some come out really clear. And I know she WANTS to communicate.

That's why we do the Walk For Autism. Kids like Gracie ( and parents like us) need support. There. I said it. 

It's hard raising an autistic child - even when you have great therapists like we do. It's a CONSTANT process of change. Every day is different and you have to adjust your days to how their days go.

Last Thursday was a bad day at school. She was in pain with her tummy. So I dropped everything and headed over to Trexlertown to see our doctor-- only  for the usual diagnosis of " there's not really much else you can do!" But I did. 

The Autism Walk show families in support  of their child but also OF EACH OTHER. 

It helps to see other people who know what you go through. Everyday. 

It also helps Autism Speaks raise both awareness for Autism AND money for research for new ways to help these kids- to make their lives better. To help US- their parents- make their lives better. 

  Autism affects the entire family. Siblings have to bear their own burden." My sister can't talk. My sister is different. " Joy noticed at a birthday party for one of Gracie's friends that some of the parents looked at Grace differently. She won't say it bothers her, but I'm sure it does. But she ALWAYS supports her and is ready to step up when Mom is having her own meltdown. 

So please, if you've taken the time to read this, take the time to donate to Autism Speaks. Look for Team Gracie and give her and other kids like her your support.

Thanks.