ranowitz, 1998, p. 146). Therefore, this process can be a frustrating and financially draining process.
Finally, parents have to deal with the prospect of grappling with a lifelong condition. This knowledge can be extremely stressful and difficult for the parents ("Practice Parameters," 1999, p. 45). The sudden initiation of the parents into a foreign territoryùthe world of autism--can generate emotional difficulties for the parents.
In order to find the most appropriate treatment program for their children, the parents play a significant role in determining the future direction of their children's lives. Not only do they decide which professionals to consult, they also have to participate actively in this assessment process to provide accurate information about their children. Because autistic children are not cooperative in evaluation settings, professionals often rely on parents to fill in important missing information ("Practice Parameters," 1999, p. 34).
As advocates for their autistic child, parents
...