"We went from being a family where our child was physically aggressive and having constant meltdowns to one that is enjoying experiencing the world through Bobby's eyes," <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fireport.cnn.com%2Fdocs%2FDOC-1109701">writes Cheri Smith</a>.
Communicating through autism —
"We went from being a family where our child was physically aggressive and having constant meltdowns to one that is enjoying experiencing the world through Bobby's eyes," writes Cheri Smith.
Courtesy Cheri Smith
"Communication isn't just about using words," says <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fireport.cnn.com%2Fdocs%2FDOC-1113862">Angie Swearingen</a>, whose son, Trey, didn't speak from age 1 to 5. "It's about us using the right words with him, and communicating frequently."
Communicating through autism —
"Communication isn't just about using words," says Angie Swearingen, whose son, Trey, didn't speak from age 1 to 5. "It's about us using the right words with him, and communicating frequently."
Courtesy Angie Swearingen
"There is nothing like the pain of listening to my child cry and pull at me while looking me in the eyes and not knowing what to do," writes <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fireport.cnn.com%2Fdocs%2FDOC-1114083">Emily Ferguson</a>. "I will hold onto hope that eventually, I will be able to hear him speak. If not, I will accept him for who he is and will cherish the communication we do share."
Communicating through autism —
"There is nothing like the pain of listening to my child cry and pull at me while looking me in the eyes and not knowing what to do," writes Emily Ferguson. "I will hold onto hope that eventually, I will be able to hear him speak. If not, I will accept him for who he is and will cherish the communication we do share."
<a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fireport.cnn.com%2Fdocs%2FDOC-1114949">Stephanie Foley</a> used stuffed animals as an early way to act out real-life scenarios for her son, Jacob, front, who is 8 and doesn't speak much. They found he would listen and do what they did, whether it was washing under his arms in the bath, brushing his teeth or getting ready for bed.
Communicating through autism —
Stephanie Foley used stuffed animals as an early way to act out real-life scenarios for her son, Jacob, front, who is 8 and doesn't speak much. They found he would listen and do what they did, whether it was washing under his arms in the bath, brushing his teeth or getting ready for bed.
Courtesy Stephanie Foley
<a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fireport.cnn.com%2Fdocs%2FDOC-1114287">Cynthia Falardeau</a>'s son Wyatt initially used picture cards to communicate, but that was not enough for his peers to understand him, so the family moved to sign language. They bought a set of signing videos for his preschool class so the other children could communicate with him. He's now 11 and is very verbal.
Communicating through autism —
Cynthia Falardeau's son Wyatt initially used picture cards to communicate, but that was not enough for his peers to understand him, so the family moved to sign language. They bought a set of signing videos for his preschool class so the other children could communicate with him. He's now 11 and is very verbal.
Courtesy Cynthia Falardeau
<a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fireport.cnn.com%2Fdocs%2FDOC-1115150">Kristy Williams</a>' son prefers to use his whole body to gesture or get attention, rather than use words. Williams likes to say that English is not his native language, but he is becoming more fluent. "We encourage him to use his words -- whether spoken, signed or written -- every day to model the importance of communicating."
Communicating through autism —
Kristy Williams' son prefers to use his whole body to gesture or get attention, rather than use words. Williams likes to say that English is not his native language, but he is becoming more fluent. "We encourage him to use his words -- whether spoken, signed or written -- every day to model the importance of communicating."
Courtesy Kelly Williams