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Carolyn Baird enjoys the company of her four autistic children in her backyard in a suburb of Newcastle, Australia. Carolyn, who is also autistic, runs an online forum that provides invaluable support to other parents of autistic children. (Photograph by Petri Kurkaa)
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Recently, the Conners discovered an alternative support group that they can attend without ever leaving the house: an online forum set up by Carolyn Baird from her home in a suburb of Newcastle, Australia. Carolyn is arguably the best resource in the world for the Conners. Not only is she the mother of four autistic children, but she is autistic herself, one of many less severely autistic people who, having learned to manage their condition and surroundings, can function normally. Her lifetime of experience with the disorder has made her a practical expert, valued counselor and online friend. Carolyn Baird's online availability means that Barry Conner can log on at the end of a bad day to share nightmarish stories or darkly comic episodes with Carolyn and other understanding parents who have had similar experiences. Through the Internet, Barry has collected valuable advice and found support with a community of people he has never met. He says, "The camaraderie I've found with these other people who live with autistic children has made a difference in the way we live our lives and care for our kids."
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or Barry and Delia Conner of Annapolis, Maryland, a simple trip to the grocery store almost guarantees misunderstanding and ostracism. Many customers stare at their two young children, who are autistic, and some make unkind remarks, assuming that the children are simply undisciplined. It would be a lot easier if Barry and Delia could leave their sons at home, but it's nearly impossible to find someone to care for the 6- and 11-year-old boys. Worse, without a baby-sitter, the Conners cannot attend the local support group where parents of autistic children listen to one another's travails, share resources, and offer encouragement.
