November 2014 - Navigating Autism

Meet The Parents of 3 kids on the autism spectrum

December 1, 2014November 18, 2014 by Andy Areffi

Melissa and Andy will be speaking at the Parent’s Place along with Dr. Temple Grandin. Melissa & Andy will share personal stories about life with three children on the autism spectrum. Topics include what to do after the autism diagnosis, knowing your end game with autism and the importance of keeping your relationship strong. Hosted … Read more

About the Areffis

The Areffis are the parents of three children with autism – Kennedy, age 10, Alex, age 9, and Bella, age 7. They wrote “Navigating Autism” because they were not able to find a book to guide them when Kennedy was diagnosed with autism in 2005. They were still struggling to get the assistance she needed when Alex was diagnosed on the spectrum in 2006 and Bella in 2008. They work tirelessly to support parents of autistic children, “We want to help as many people as possible,” says Melissa. “With early intervention, these kids can go on to become anything, and not dependent on disability services their entire lives. As parents, we want our kids to have a shot at happiness, and a ‘normal’ life. We figured we didn’t have any right to complain about how things are unless we did something about it to help.”