Hope For Three hosts forum

Autism is a complex disorder that does not discriminate and although the characteristics are similar, the effects on each individual are the same. This was evident at the recent Hope For Three caregiver empowerment gathering at Sugar Land Family Church.

Hope For Three's H.O.P.E. (Helping Our Parents Excel) open forum and networking event was led by a parent volunteer panel who live and breathe the various aspects of autism each day.

The gathering began with a mini meet and greet over refreshments provided by Therapy and Beyond. The forum covered being newly diagnosed, the school system, therapies/treatments, insurance and autism after 21, how to cope, family life and marriage in the midst of autism. What was visible throughout the three hours of discussion was the unyielding will of parents in attendance. Each, with their own autism journey during tears and many "what next" questions vowed to keep moving, sharing and fighting for resources that will help their child on the autism spectrum thrive.

"When you bring autism parents together you often walk away with nuggets of information, but more importantly you realize you are not alone; you are with those who can truly relate to you; you become re-energized," said Rachel Alexander, Autism Mom/H.O.P.E parent volunteer. "We are thankful to Hope For Three, not for just what it has done for our family, but for hundreds of others."

Hope For Three is a local non-profit providing various resources to autism families. For additional information on events, programs, or volunteer/sponsorship opportunities visit www.hopeforthree.org or call 281-245-0640.