Eileen founded The Autism Cafe to connect with other parents who are facing similar situations as what she experienced raising her son Charlie who was diagnosed with autism at age of two. She also blogs about her own journey living with autism and issues affecting the autism community. Eileen has also authored the book “All Across the Spectrum” where she emphasizes acceptance and love.

What inspired you to start The Autism Cafe? How do you usually choose topics for your blog?E: I was born and raised in France, where autism isn’t well-understood. After my son, Charlie, was diagnosed right around two years old. I started The Autism Cafe to keep family and friends updated on his progress.
It was in my head from the start to use The Autism Cafe to connect with other parents living in a similar transitional period, but I hadn’t realized just how many of us were out there looking for a forum they could do it in.
Pretty much from the start, I’ve written about our life and the many ways autism is intertwined with it. I share my view on the things I experience on social media — trends and movements across the world of autism, and, often, the ways that a movement may be alienating or excluding parts of the autism community.

What demanding situations did you come across as a parent? How did you approach these situations?E: There have been so many — parenting is challenging. One of the most demanding situations I experience is the ongoing challenge of not understanding my son’s distress. He’s nonverbal, and though he can communicate basic needs through an app on his iPad, more and more every year, we often don’t know why he’s screaming. Is he in pain? I don’t know; it doesn’t seem like it. But what if it’s a different, more severe pain he’s not experienced before, and that’s why, this time, it looks different…
You can imagine all the ways this communication challenge impacts his life, and therefore everyone else’s in the family. As always, we’re working on increasing his ability to communicate.

Who can benefit from reading your book” "All Across The Spectrum" and why?E: Simply put, I wrote this book to help parents feel less alone. I talk about my journey as an autistic adult but also parenting a child with severe autism. Someone who wants to learn about autism and how varied the spectrum can be — for someone who wants raw insights into he I live my life every day with a foot in two very different parts of the spectrum — this person, I believe, will appreciate what they find in All Across The Spectrum, and I recommend they take a look.

What are your suggestions for parents whose children are recently diagnosed with Autism?E: Take everything you read on social media with a big ol’ grain of salt. There are so. many. controversies in the autism world, and unfortunately, some vocal advocates out there can be cruel to parents who are there to educate themselves to better help their child.
Get advice from a variety of sources, but make sure they’re professional or at least highly experienced. There are different therapies out there, ABA being the more common evidence-based option, so dig in — listen, discuss, and decide what the best option is for your child to get started with. Get involved, speak up, ask questions, and don’t take one experience online as the roadmap for your unique child. Finally, try not to compare your child to others. I know it’s hard, but measure their success on their happiness, if they’re learning skills that can lead to future happiness, and on how you’re all doing working toward the individual goals that pertain to you and your situation.

What are your other hobbies?E: I enjoy photography, primarily, writing, and hanging out with my friends, when I get the chance. My first book, All Across The Spectrum, is filled with beautiful color prints of my photography, which assist in telling the story.

What is your family's favorite place to visit? What do you all love about that place?E: We like road trips. Los Angeles and Port Aransas, TX are two places we’ve enjoyed road-tripping to. And, of course, France, though we haven’t been there since 2014.

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?E: Just remember that they can often do so much more than you see at first glance. Find those skills, no matter how small, meet them where they are, and don’t worry about milestones.

Any special message for our community?E: Thanks for reading! And remember, there aren’t two identical autistic people. Each of us is different. Each of us has different needs, abilities, and views. That's good, and that’s okay. This means that one person’s view is not better or more right than someone else’s in the autism community. So if I leave you with one thought, it’s that. Stay open to others’ views. You don’t have to agree, but the sheer fact that you might not agree does not mean that they’re wrong, and nor does it mean, either, that you are.
Whether you're new to the community or not, if you encounter someone claiming to represent the views of many but who's dismissive, obnoxious, or cruel, don’t engage — let ‘em finish the conversation by themselves. There are countless kind, helpful, fantastic community members out there you can find, and you will, too.