A Common Voice

5-30-2006

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN;

My name is Kerstin Metzger, and I am raising an adopted son, his name is Kristof. He is now eleven years old. When he was eight years old, he was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, which is a high-functioning form of autism.

We had suspected that he was suffering from some sort of disorder, since he was three years old. He was diagnosed with ADHD, obsessive compulsive disorder, oppositional defiance disorder, and intermittent explosive disorder. All these disorders only where manifestations of the autism

After quite the prolonged fight without health insurance, we finally were referred to a psychologist and a psychiatrist, who in turn referred us to a wonderful counselor, who ultimately narrowed down his autistic traits, who caused his behavior.

By that time, he was out of control, and he had plunged our family into crisis. He was destructive, impulsive, somewhat physically aggressive, and I was at the very end of my rope. I simply wanted to give up!

In September of 2004, I contacted the lady with the Autism Society Tacoma Chapter, who referred me to A Common Voice for Pierce County Parents. I immediately contacted Marge Critchlow, their director. She invited me to a support group, which was meeting every Wednesday evening in Puyallup. I would like to state from the bottom of my heart that this organization has changed my outlook on life profoundly. A common voice gave me support, hope, and most of all provided me with incredible a useful tools on how to deal with an autistic son without letting myself get destroyed.

Marge Critchlow and Sherry Lyons, the director and assistant director give advice and offer practical solution when it comes to parenting kids with a neurological and mental disorders. They speak from experience. Their experiences offer hope for the future to other parents like me.

I have made the weekly support group an integral part of my schedule. Every Wednesday I learn something that I can use in raising my son. I am a much calmer, better prepared parent now. Even when I have had a rough week with my son, I know that I can go to the support group, talk about my bad week, and receive sound advice about how to better handle things next time without ever been judged.

I am forever grateful to A Common Voice and to Marge and Sherry!

Sincerely,

Kerstin Metzger