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WELCOME TO ADAM'S HOPE
Thank you for taking the time to visit Adam's Hope and welcome to a
community of familes who, like you, are true forces of nature. At
Adam's Hope, the words false hope, can't and never do not exist because
we believe with time and patience; through hope, love and good old
parental instincts our children can emerge from autism and develop into
happy, independent adults.
In the months to come you will find information on all things autism,
from getting a diagnosis to treatment options, special diets and
special doctors with tips on how to make all this work for your child.
We encourage you to keep an open mind and think outside the box
because, just as every child is different and one size does NOT fit
all, there is more than one way to treat autism.
Dealing with autism is difficult. It can be painful, maddening and
saddening. It tests your marriage, your faith and can strain your
finances. But it has been our experience, when you are at your lowest
low, your autistic child will do or say something to you that you have
been waiting to see or hear and suddenly you feel like you are soaring
above the earth.
At Adam's Hope we believe there is strength in numbers. If you need
someone to talk to we are an e-mail or phone call away. Autism does
not have to be a life sentence. Your family can still function and you
can find joy - you just have to figure out how to find it and when you
do, be comfortable with embracing your family's "normal".
Now that we have told you a little bit about what we stand for, here
are some tips on getting comfortable with having someone in your life
who is affected by autism.
1. Look at your life and highlight the things for which you are
grateful. When our son went for his regular visits to the Alberta
Children's Hospital for assessment and speech therapy when he was just
2, we were grateful that we walked past Oncology. Our Adam had a a
tough time with eye contact, speech and socialization. He lacked play
skills and had sensory issues but he didn't have a life threatening
disease.
2. Look upon your autistic child with new eyes. Don't let the things he
struggles with take away from the unique things he can do. See what
qualities you can help them enhance and tap into your instincts and
creativity to help them with the things they find hard to overcome.
3. Love your child. Advocate for your child - for children who do not
yet speak, know they are relying on your voice. Have hope and have
faith that the journey will have it's ups and downs but your child will
find his way with your help. Celebrate their achievements and on the
most difficult days reflect on all the little triumphs you've
experienced together.
4. Be fearless. Reach out for help when you need it and don't be afraid
to try new things. You'll be surprised at some of the things that are
available today that can change your child's life in a positive way.
5. Develop a thick skin. Your child will say or do some very unique and
let's face it, BIZARRE things in public. Who cares what people think!
Who cares if they stare! People with manners and your true friends will
quickly become apparent. So remember...thick skin and be comfortable in
it. It is NOT your fault or your child's fault he has autism.
6. Finally, remember that your child is a gift. Remember that it takes
all kinds to make the world and that faith, hope and love can only lead
you and your family to great things.
Daniella,Tom, Adam and Logan
Founders Adam's Hope | 
