How does a parent deal with not only the stigma, but misconceptions attached to high-functioning autism? Social worker Mariette Cawood candidly speaks about how this affects a child and its parents, facilitating the child’s relationship with teachers and other individuals, dealing with specific challenges, and the 3 phases of autism. She voices the grief many parents experience and urges other adults to educate themselves and promote a more supportive, inclusive environment.

Society has a narrow lens when it comes to autism, writes the mom of a nine-year-old diagnosed with high-functioning autism. “Many find it easier to label a little boy than to challenge their own biases and become better, more inclusive adults. And so, they never get to know the kind, gentle, snuggly, clever little boy that I get to call my son.” Read social worker Mariette Cawood’s moving letter – “not a story of pity, but a call for awareness.”