Letting Go, Holding On: Life After Raising an Autistic Son

• By: Karen B. Mariscal, Esq. Mariscal Special Needs Law
• January 5th, 2026
• caregiver stress, emotional resilience, family caregiving, intellectual disabilities, parenting, PTSD symptoms, sensory regulation, special education, Winter 2026 Issue
• 1261    1

My war is mostly over, and I miss it terribly. Raising Billy, my son who has autism, was like going through a war, every day a battle. And now he is 33 and he is gone. Not completely gone -- he lives in a group home 10 miles away, and it only takes me 22 minutes to get there. But I no longer...

Autism Parent Support Groups – A Successful Model Providing Information and Support

• By: Kate Macaluso, LMSW YAI LINK
• July 1st, 2012
• autism services, behavior management, caregiver education, caregiver stress, community resources, family support, peer support, support groups
• 5431    1

Families often lack information about the autism diagnosis such as what to expect, treatment options, and how to access services. Support groups serve two main functions. They provide families and caregivers with much needed information on a variety of topics related to autism spectrum disorders...