April is Autism Awareness Month, a time to educate and raise awareness about autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is estimated that 1 in 54 children in the United States is diagnosed with ASD, a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social communication and behavior. With the increasing prevalence of autism, spreading awareness about the disorder and supporting families on this journey is crucial.
Autism significantly affects the families of those with it. Knowing how to assist those diagnosed with ASD requires a set of life-altering skills that many struggle with – be it because of a lack of accessible care, lack of information, or neglecting the physical and mental health of the caretakers. It’s essential to bring to light the inspiring journeys of people finding motivation and bravery to deal with everyday life with ASD. Such is the story of Dr. Eric Weiss and Christine (Chris) Weiss and their son Marston, who was diagnosed with autism at a young age. Their story of hope and healing serves as a beacon of hope for families struggling with similar challenges.