According to the CDC, about 1 in 44 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) . ASD can present itself at 18 months or younger. By age 2, a diagnosis by an experienced professional can be considered very reliable. ASD impacts the development of the brain and causes the individual to have behavioral challenges along with problems with social, emotional, and communication skills.

Many parents who have a child on the autism spectrum struggle in knowing how to best address their son's or daughter’s needs. I recently sat down with Christine Melendres, a licensed social worker, whose first son, Lucas, was diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. Christine explains what it is like to be a parent of a child with autism.