Help for the Autistic

As the parent of a child with autism, I naturally read the article on the Swoffords (“Autistic Youth Thrives in Large, Loving Family by Tia Gindick, July 28) with more than passing interest.

Like Brendan Swoford, my son, Stephen, has grown in a warm, loving environment. At age 12, he will be entering a regular junior high school in the fall, at which half of his classes will be grade level.

We derived much support from the Los Angeles Chapter of the National Society for Children and Adults With Autism and, in turn, we have helped other parents in similar circumstances. This sharing has helped all of us cope with the everyday stress which can occur while raising such a child.

Involvement with a parent support group for any disability is invaluable whether or not the child reaches his or her full potential. For more information about autism, contact the society’s Los Angeles chapter at (213) 559-5664. CHARLENE M. WISE Board Member, L.A. NSAC Los Angeles