Autism is a complex developmental disorder that is typically noticed by parents and/or diagnosed by parents between the ages of eight-ten months and three years. In recent studies, Werner (2001) isolated themes from in-depth interviews conducted with different parents of autistic children. These themes included the following findings: family life revolves around managing the child's autism and unusual behaviors; parents feel a loss because they and their children cannot lead a so-called normal life; and the family only experiences fleeting moments where they truly feel like a typical family. Autism does not affect a particular type of person; it occurs in all social, racial, and ethnic groups. Effects of autism within a family What is a normal family? What would you do if your child seems to be developing at a normal rate and suddenly he stops and regresses before he can walk or talk? Do you think you have what it takes to raise a child with autism? Families of autistic children begin to face challenges that set them apart from other families from day one: They notice that something is wrong with their child. When a family first discovers that their child has autism, it is very emotionally overwhelming. Not only is it emotionally overwhelming to add some stress to intense one-on-one therapy sessions at home and onsite, trying to stay focused on other issues outside the home, like a career, etc. other problems that arise when receiving a gift. autistic child. When a family has a child with autism, the family's life changes (Luther, Canham, & Cureton, 2005). Although all of these issues may be overwhelming for the rest of the paper...he or she must be able to lead a somewhat normal life. Being able to cope with the emotional, physical, and financial impacts of having a child with autism will help a family become more confident and enjoy seeing their child progress throughout their life and trying to live as close to possible for a normal life. Once all is said and done, overcoming the stressors and obstacles a family faces when given a helping hand challenges them to become one as a family, but also helps to strengthen your family from the inside. So here are these three little questions to think about... What is a normal family? What would you do if your child seems to be developing at a normal rate and suddenly he stops and regresses before he can walk or talk? Do you think you have what it takes to raise a child with autism??