Education, action keys to autism

To the editor:

Autism is a word that strikes fear deep in the heart of every parent who hears the diagnosis. It is a moment of utter dread followed by grieving, a child's life ended before it has a chance to begin.

And nothing could be further from the truth. Toss out those old, cliched, enigmatic messages of fear and ignorance. Our children get better. Some even recover completely given the proper treatments and therapies. A message of hope and education must replace the ignorance. Parents are told that nothing can be done, so nothing is done. It is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Those in positions of power, authority and influence in our communities perpetuate the message of fear and ignorance. If despair is the only lane afforded you, it is the one you will take. There is another one requiring education and action. It is the one pregnant with possibility to help your child.

We are parents of children with autism who organize the Autism One conference. Parents are, and must remain, the driving force of our community. The issues are too sacred and the stakes too high to delegate to outside interests. Thank you.

EDMUND ARRANGA

Fullerton, Calif.