Research

Kyle and I participate in many research projects. We have answered numerous surveys, assisted graduate students with thesis projects, given blood and shared our experiences to help create programs for professionals. Occasionally, we are compensated with a gift card, or cash. Most researchers make their findings available to us which gives us insight into our son. Even if we received nothing, I would still participate in research.

I mentioned during our last study I would always contribute and the researcher said she had found that attitude to be common in the autism community. The other mothers in the room felt the same way. By participating, we help researchers come one step closer to determining the underlying causes of autism, one step closer to developing programs for children with autism, or one step closer to finding a cure for autism.


I know I have become a better person by having to personally deal with this issue. I know that by sharing my experiences, I have helped countless other people. I have become an advocate for people with special needs in and out of the classroom. I know for some reason I was chosen to have a son with autism. However, if I had a magic wand and could erase autism from my life I would. I would choose to remain ignorant about this developmental disorder. I am willing to let Rain Man be my only picture of autism.

A researcher asked me if I ever felt bad thinking about getting rid of autism and how people may interpret that statement to mean I didn’t want my son. I told her autism doesn’t define who Kyle is. Outside of his autistic tendencies, he has a separate and distinctive personality. I recently read biographies by Jason McElwain and Dr. Temple Grandin. Both stated they would not remove autism from their lives. They both feel autism has given them a unique perspective on life. Maybe one day Kyle will be able to understand enough about how his brain works to give me his opinion.

If you want to participate in research Interactive Autism Network is an excellent place to begin. I registered my entire family and research projects are sent to me via email.