Personal Narrative: Not A Typical American Family
I have learned an immense amount from the family I interviewed. It truly shifted my perspective on disabilities and how families cope with them. Moreover, I have learned how much time, effort, and strength it takes to run a household with someone who struggles with a disability. The family I conducted an interview with is not a typical American family. James and Martha have two daughters, Lily and April. Lily is 5 years old and was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at age 2. Lily did not respond to her name, was reluctant to engage, and did not express herself through words or movements. When Lily was initially diagnosed the family experienced the stages of grieving including shock, grief, anger, denial, loneliness, and acceptance. There