AUTISM SOLUTIONS
Finally, My Answer to
the Question: “How May I Help?”
By L.M. LEONARD
y
a
M
How
?
p
l
e
I H
W
e have a very generous village. When
our oldest son was diagnosed with
high-functioning autism a little over
a year ago, the people in our life sur-
rounded us with support. The week
we got our diagnosis, our daycare pro-
vider sent home a care package. A dis-
tant cousin drove several miles to meet me for coffee
so she could listen to my concerns in person. And my
parents and in-laws issued a standing offer to watch
the kids on some weekends (sleepovers, even!) so
that my husband and I could take breaks. Yes, we are
very fortunate and so thankful.
50 | Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 71
Somehow, even though I have come to rely on oth-
ers’ help and greatly appreciate it, I am often baffled
when my generous villagers ask the simple question:
“How may I help?” The question is such a thought-
ful gesture, and of course, we like the support, but
I have only been able to stumble in response. The
truth is that the answer I would like to give is often
too complicated or too unexpected to give without
some forethought. So, here, finally, is my attempt to
provide the answer I wish I could have given many
times before. My guess is that other families affect-
ed by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have wanted
to make similar requests of their fellow villagers, but