(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A few days into Autism Awareness Month, a mother from Palatine said she’s hoping to share resources and awareness through a Facebook page.
“It's absolutely a godsend for me,” said Jo Anne Kozmer.
Kozmer said she first discovered the Autism Parents of Illinois Facebook group a few years ago while struggling to navigate her daughter's autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.
“It's a lot of anxiety, a lot of just [being] scared of what the future holds, you know, what's going to happen if … when I'm gone, you know, is anybody going to take care of their child?” Kozmer said.
She said joining a group of other parents of kids who have autism, though, helped her better understand her daughter's diagnosis — and how to best support her.
“There's so many, so many resources, you know, from dental, so handicap placards, you know, things to take your kids to do,” Kozmer said. “Should I put my child in outside therapy? There's so much depth involved with the whole autistic community, and this group is just phenomenal.”
Kozmer is now a co-owner of the group, which has over 8,000 members.
“I think it's just a blessing to have the sense of community when you feel so alone during this journey,” she said.
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