Autism Awareness: Family Support

By: Melanie Bloom - Email

Updated: Fri 6:37 PM, Oct 19, 2012

Click here to learn about the Autism Family Network.

What started as a small group of mothers has grown to more than 450 families.

The Autism Family Network was sparked in 2007 after Vicki Depenbusch's son was diagnosed. She didn't have any support group to turn to for help and advice. She and Cathy Martinez are the founding mothers.

Together, the women have teamed up to answer questions that other families may have.

"What can we do when our child does this? Where do you go for a dentist? All these things that I, that my husband and I, sit and wonder, 'Are we doing the best for our child?' Now we have other parents that are just like us, you don't feel so alone," said Vicky.

The group plans many events for the families they serve like swimming events, bowling events and get togethers at the zoo. They also participate in Husker Heroes and Walk Now For Autism Speaks.

They raise money and awareness to battle the developmental disorder that impacts so many children.

They also believe that awareness should get a lot of attention. They say that bullying is a big issue among children with autism. Other kids can be mean. While children with autism cannot express their feelings at time, these mothers believe that their kids can understand what things are being said to them. Because of their disability, they just cannot respond.

Help children with autism at the Walk Now For Autism Speaks event at Haymarket Park on Saturday. Walk starts at 2pm. Anyone is invited to be there and show support!