Healthcare and Medical News: We encourage you to support the Autism Society this holiday season.

The Warner Family

Dear Hcis,

We isolated ourselves from our friends and family. Many of them didn't even know what we were going through. It took us a long time to figure out how to reenter the world. I'm sure many of you can relate to this.

In 1999, my twin 5-year-old boys, Austin and Christian, were diagnosed with autism. All my successes in sports and business did little to prepare me for the unique challenges of parenting autistic children.

As an NFL running back with the Seattle Seahawks, and two-time All-American at Penn State, I learned to be tough and focused. After football, I became an entrepreneur, owning a car dealership and then working as an insurance agent. These experiences taught me flexibility and perseverance. But none of this prepared me for what was about to come next.

For many years my wife and I dealt with the painful struggle to hold our family and marriage together in a home filled with chaos, emotional exhaustion and constant fear for the safety of our beloved boys. We often felt heartbroken and, at times, helpless.

As we near the holiday season, my family and I are especially grateful for all the Autism Society has done for us. They helped us see the big picture and take a long-term view. They helped us connect with other families. They provided much-needed resources and support. Through the Autism Society, we were able to retrieve a sense of community, comfort and connection.

On Dec 1, 2018, our memoir, THE WARNER BOYS: Our Family's Story of Autism and Hope, was published and is now available on Amazon.com. Our deepest hope is that this book gives other families solace and comfort as they navigate their own journey with autism.

My family and I strongly support the Autism Society and I am a proud member of the the Board of Directors. We encourage you to support the Autism Society this holiday season. Your donation will enable them to provide resources, support, and hope for so many families just like ours.

Warm Regards,

Curt Warner
Autism Society Board Member
Father, Former NFL Football Player, Entrepreneur