I’m Christy, this is my story of my introduction into the world of autism. Most people would think the story would start with your own child, or someone close to you, being diagnosed. However, my journey started eight years ago. In 1993 I enrolled at Hardford Community College in Maryland as a Special Education Major. I was newly married and living in a new state trying to find my purpose. I always loved working with children and thought this was an area where I could excel and make a difference.
While at Hardford, I discovered the more classes I attended—as well as doing my student teaching requirement in a PPCD Autism class—the more I wanted to learn. While looking at the job board, at the career center, I noticed a few jobs for special needs children. I also noticed a flyer from the ARC of Maryland for classes on how to be a certified Respite Provider for Families. The classes provided training on many different disabilities, in addition, teaching centred on working with such children and helping their families.