It is the latest in casual slang, “YOLO”, meaning “You only live once”.  Most of us don’t think twice and use it quite frequently as it musters courage and spontaneity with regard to our lives and making the most of it…because, of course, you only live once…

However, this term takes on a whole different meaning when thinking of our society of Autism Spectrum Disorder, and if we have a child on the spectrum, what does it mean for you as their parent.  This life, the one that we only live once…What is it like for them???  As far as it is up to us as parents, of course we want it to be the best it can be.  A life that is full of happiness and laughter, and one with a bright future as well.  This love and resolve for our children is what drive us isn’t it?  Never has there been a greater quest and never has there been a harder one!  Nevertheless, we take this challenge open armed, and without hesitation!

Why?

Because we love our children more than life itself, and there is no one…and I mean NO ONE that knows them and loves them like we do, and are willing to go to the great lengths that we must go in order to ensure their happiness and well being.  Keeping in mind our children, parents, especially those of ASD children have these letters stamped on our minds and hearts at all times…OCOLO – “Our Children Only Live Once”.  This is the driving force isn’t it…the one that keeps us going…looking, searching, scratching, and fighting the fine fight for our children!

It is quite a fight too and many times we fight alone.  We face an uphill battle, because society and medicine as a whole have not caught up with Autism Spectrum Disorders.  While they may be trying, there are many roadblocks in their way.  Things like funding research, politics, greed, and narrow minds.  While these may be as boulders in the road, they do not stop the parent who is driven by heartfelt confidence that there is hope for ASD and therefore HOPE for our child!  There is nothing, no nothing that will stand in the way of that! 

Give us a mountain…and just watch us climb it!!! 

After all… YOLO!!!