Dear Ms. Kupferberg Carter,
Thank you for your wonderful essay recently published in the New York Times, “How Having a Child With Autism Helps Me Ride Out the Pandemic.”
As a professional who has worked within the autism community for over thirty years, I constantly remind myself that this is the life path I have chosen. When I meet parents, be they savvy consumers, staunch advocates at IEP meetings, tireless caregivers, and authors like yourself, I am also reminded that autism was not a path they choose. It chose them. Yet, their journeys have left an indelible imprint on all of us: whether the next generation of parents of newly diagnosed children, professionals learning to be more empathic in interactions with parents, extended family members and neighbors who do not comprehend living with autism 24/7, or members of the community who have yet to be touched by autism.
In fact, your beautifully written and insightful essay speaks to all of us. You wrote about the importance of connection and that- although seemingly effortful at times- the benefits could be enriching and affirming. You reminded parents to be mindful of the deleterious impact of chronic stress. You spoke up for facts, science, and transparency (a position that resonates deeply with all of us at the Association for Science in Autism Treatment). You urged us to find our comforts and pursue them unapologetically. Finally, you encouraged us all to own and show our resilience, not just for our loved ones and for others in our communities, but also for ourselves.
In every crisis, there are indeed opportunities. What you have learned as a mother of an individual with autism undoubtedly has shaped your outlook. All of this bears such relevance particularly now, during a pandemic, with uncertainty, misinformation, sadness, and fear weighing on our collective shoulders.
Thank you for offering your insights and experiences so generously as your journey has clearly taught you many things. We are fortunate that you shared them with us here. I hope that people everywhere read and reread this piece and cull the many valuable lessons that it contains.
Warmly,
David Celiberti, PhD, BCBA-D
Executive Director of the Association for Science in Autism Treatment
