As a mother of three children — two of whom have autism — each day brings both challenges and moments of profound love. Navigating life as a family impacted by autism is not always easy. There are days filled with questions, uncertainty, advocacy, and exhaustion. But through it all, resilience grows, and the importance of having the right support becomes clearer than ever.
For this family, Parent Network became that support.
When the journey first began, the path forward often felt overwhelming. Understanding services, navigating systems, and advocating for her children’s needs sometimes felt like a full-time job in itself. That’s when Parent Network stepped in — not just as a resource, but as a lifeline.
Through support groups, she found something invaluable: connection. Meeting other parents who understood the daily realities of raising children with disabilities helped ease feelings of isolation and reminded her that she was not alone. The one-on-one support offered by Parent Network staff provided personalized guidance, meeting her where she was and helping her take the next steps forward with confidence.
One of the most impactful areas of support came through navigating OPWDD services. Like many families, she found the system confusing and difficult to understand. Parent Network helped break down the process, explain options, and guide her through each step. What once felt overwhelming became manageable with the right information and support.
Workshops focused on special education and CPSE/CSE meeting preparation also played a critical role. With the knowledge gained, she walked into IEP meetings feeling informed, confident, and ready to advocate for her children’s needs. Instead of feeling uncertain, she felt empowered — able to ask questions, understand her rights, and ensure her children received the supports they deserved.
What really made the difference, however, was the people behind Parent Network. “What truly sets Parent Network apart is their staff, many of whom have lived experience caring for or loving someone with a disability. That lived experience matters. It creates trust, compassion, and a safe space where parents and caregivers can turn when extra support is needed, without fear of judgment.”
Today, Parent Network is more than just an organization to her family — it is a community and a source of strength. Through our support, guidance, and compassion, we helped transform uncertainty into confidence and isolation into connection.
While the journey of raising children with autism continues to have its challenges, she no longer feels like she’s navigating it alone. And for that, she remains deeply grateful for the role Parent Network has played in supporting her family and so many others like hers.
