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Parenting autistic children comes with unexpected twists and turns, especially when appearances don't match reality. In this deeply personal episode, we share the story of our son Wolfie, whose journey through the prestigious Berklee School of Music ended in crisis but ultimately led to profound growth and understanding.

Wolfie always seemed to be our "easy" child with autism. Academically successful and apparently needing minimal support, we celebrated when he was accepted to his dream school. Despite setting up therapy and support systems, what we couldn't anticipate was the emotional toll that sudden independence would take. Behind our regular check-ins, Wolfie was struggling silently - doctoring grades, withdrawing from classes, and maintaining a façade that grew increasingly unsustainable.

When the truth finally emerged, our initial shock and anger quickly gave way to heartbreak over the profound isolation our son had experienced. This powerful lesson reshaped our understanding of autism parenting: sometimes the children who appear to need the least support actually require the most. We realized no prestigious degree is worth sacrificing mental health, and our dreams for our children must sometimes step aside so they can create their own paths.

We also discuss exciting developments at the Ed Asner Family Center, including our groundbreaking partnership with Funko that's creating meaningful employment opportunities for autistic adults. Three program participants have already become regular employees, demonstrating what's possible when companies commit to authentic inclusion.

Whether you're parenting autistic children or simply interested in better understanding autism, this episode offers honest insights into balancing expectations with reality, recognizing hidden struggles, and creating environments where neurodivergent individuals can truly thrive. Visit teafc.org to connect with our community and explore our programs designed by and for neurodivergent people.

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