This week I’d like to share with you a sneak peek into a project-in-process that honors Madison, my daughter with autism who continues to teach and inspire me.

As you may know, April is Autism Awareness month. Pathfinders for Autism, the organization I helped found 19 years ago, just launched our “This is 1 in 50” campaign that highlights the fact that autism affects 1 in every 50 children in Maryland. It is the fastest-growing developmental disorder in the country.

Madison celebrated her 27^th birthday last month.

Despite an early diagnosis and excellent medical and therapeutic care, she still cannot read or write and has limited speech. She cannot be left alone. Through the years, she has struggled to learn, often resorting to severe self-injurious behaviors that required multiple hospitalizations.

I’ll admit it; parenting a child with autism is difficult.

Our challenge, like all parents, is to keep putting opportunities in front of our kids so they can develop to their full potential. But it’s hard when behaviors get in the way or they can’t communicate preferences or express feelings in ways we understand.

It can be exhausting.

Different medications. Different therapies. Different approaches. The obstacles seem to never stop sometimes.

Yet we persevere. We find resources to support us, educate us, and guide us when we feel lost or alone.

Through each of my challenges with Madison, Pathfinders for Autism helped me find the resources she needed. And with the steadfast support of family, friends, and many of you, I kept trying.

So did Madison.

Today, Madison is happy, thriving, and living a full life, one small step at a time in her residential and day program. I’m so grateful for the good care she receives and proud of her progress!

In fact, Madison inspires me! Her zeal and will to adapt and flourish despite her limitations encourage me, fueling my resolve to do the same.

So check out this sneak peek of the video that will be in Pathfinders’ #ThisIs1in50 campaign later this month along with an Honoring Madison fundraiser that launches today. Donations will also be acknowledged on the Madison Banner at our annual Pathfinders For Autism Golf Tournament on May 13.

I am both grateful and amazed at the range and quality of the services Pathfinders for Autism provides. They work hard to ensure that a spectrum of services is available to support the spectrum of needs in the autism community. I hope you’ll join me in supporting the important work they do.

How about you? Have you had an inspiring experience with an individual with autism? Tell me about it. I’d love to know.

P.S. Thanks for your well wishes in my “energy management” recovery. Almost 100%! Appreciate your encouragement, as always.