Last fall, a family I know received a devastating blow: their 2-year-old daughter was diagnosed with autism, “a complex neurobiological disorder ... (which) impairs a person’s ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines,” according to the Autism Speaks Web site.

Then came the double whammy when the parents learned the State of Georgia does not recognize autism as a disease, therefore leaving many families of autistic children to face the challenge of expensive treatment without insurance. Many are not able to privately afford these necessary treatments, some of which cost $75 an hour, the parents learned.

And then a third blow: The parents are agonizing over whether to delay their newborn son’s MMR shots because questions are being raised, in connection with autism, which is gentic, such as “Are there adverse events from vaccines that impact neurodevelopment over time?” and “Does the use of combination vaccines or the practice of giving several vaccinations in one day confer increase risk for adverse events?”

But just as there are rainbows after a storm, so are there points of praise for which the couple is grateful. (Their names have been changed to protect the family’s privacy.)

“Alexandra is such a blessing to us, and we are so honored by God that He has entrusted her to us. Carson, too!,” their mom said. “We thank God for all the doors that have been opened to us, and the friends and family that have been so helpful. We thank God for every skill she has that so many other autistic children don’t:

— She wants to communicate and does somewhat. She is verbal.

— She makes great eye contact in comparison to other children with autism.

— She has friends and likes to play with other children.

— She can hold a pencil and draw.

— She seldom stems (performs repetitive things like arm flapping), and when she does it’s barely noticeable.

— She loves to be held and cuddle. (Most autistic kids will not let anyone touch them.)

— She has started calling me ‘mommy’ finally. (That’s so much more fun than answering to a shrill scream.)

— She is learning to read.

— She has great physical skills.

— She’s otherwise healthy.