Autism Chronicles

Long Haul: Public Radio Documentaries to Go!

Most autism experts generally agree that early intervention beginning immediately after diagnosis can help a child conquer some of the most debilitating aspects of the disorder. Yet, society's approach when it comes to helping these children is slipshod. Some parents are lucky enough to live in areas where their public school districts have top-notch programs for autistic toddlers. Others have the means to provide what public schools can't. But even more have no means to cobble together something on their own - and for them, the prospects are especially daunting. Long Haul followed three families with young autistic children over the course of six months. These are their stories.