Hello Dee,

I am a 43 Level 1 ("Requires Support" The more accepted term for "high functioning") autistic male. I'm sorry that your family is having such a hard time and I pray for you all.

Every state and locality is different but there are often ways to find support. Unfortunately you often have to search for them yourself; they won't be offered to you.

We live in California and my 6 year old daughter is also autistic. The school is somewhat supportive but I have to be assertive in certain situations, like requesting transparency and visibility regarding what is happening during her school day, not just in academics but the more relevant social & functional (i.e. like her actually going to the bathroom) situations.

I was a child when autism wasn't really diagnosed and I'm part of the so-called "lost generation", but at least I can use my experience and knowledge to be her advocate. Therefore again unfortunately, you and your family really have to be proactive and assertive in your request for support.

I'm sure you don't want to make things ugly, but in a sense not supporting someone on the spectrum is discrimination, and administrators often only tale you seriously when you threaten their power and standing.

If you want to ask anything I'll tell you what I can, and I'll pray for you and I guess you are also praying for answers and then we have to trust that the Lord will ultimately take care of us.

-Will