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We have been diagnosed now "on the spectrum" for over five years and I weekly do searches on the
internet for Autism programs and websites in the central Indiana area. I am consistantly finding new and wonderful sites
as well as programs in my area. Great - right? Sure, if you can devote hours daily to finding them all.
I wanted a website that was a "one stop shop" for all of our needs, hence, "Michael's List". "Michael's List" is for
every person who loves, lives with, or works with a person "on the spectrum". It's for the parents whom I have
talked to who didn't know where to go or what to do next. It's for the families who have just had the word "Autism"
introduced to their vocabulary.
We do not advocate any of the services listed on this website. Nothing takes the place of your inner
voice and good judgement. I have almost ran out of "professionals" offices, because everything about it felt wrong.
As your loved one's advocate, trust your inner voice and your gut, if it doesn't feel right - leave - they are NOT your only
option. And, that is another part of "Michael's List" you do have options and this list shows you that. So many
parents I've talked to have told me that they don't know there are other social therapy groups, schools, or doctors - simply
put, you do now.
We are surrounded with kind, loving, and trusted people who we couldn't dream of "doing life" without.
True professionals in every sense of the word are the teachers our son has been truly blessed to have: Liz, Sarah, Katie,
Paula, Sharon, Marianne, Mrs. Walter, Mrs. Altick, Shannon, Kristy, Toni, Mrs. Derado, Mrs. Lundberg, Mrs. Sangeorzan, Laurie,
and Mrs. Baker; mere words cannot begin to express our gratitude for each of these very gifted and devoted women. Our
friends are gifts that we thank God for every day. I had a talk recently with one of my friends and told him "that sometimes
when you are born you hit the lottery and sometimes you don't. But, when you don't God makes sure he surrounds you with
friends who will become the family you need and deserve." Matt, Lori, Bethany, Rob, Ken, Sharon and Shauna:
You all knew us before the diagnosis and helped walk with us during it and there were times each of you carried us - each
of you make our "lottery" even sweeter! To our parents; what can we say? You NEVER disappoint. There is
something to be said for always knowing what you are getting. We know that we both hit the lottery with all of you!
Thank you for never being too busy to listen to the struggles and for recognizing the triumphs both big and small. We
have in our midst the one who will teach us more than we'll ever teach him and thank you for seeing that, too. It started
with each of you and you never knew that you were preparing us, even as children, to be the parents that he needs.
We love you all more than you will ever know.
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