0It takes unimaginable strength to persist and overcome all that a diagnosis of autism entails. From the day of diagnosis, what you had expected will forever be different. Once you accept the diagnosis, you will be able to make plans for the years ahead. At times it will be a struggle and a fight for acceptance, services and growth. The hard work you pour into your child now will pay off in a big way in the future. The child diagnosed at a young age is not the end result of your purpose or journey. Your daily prayers will be answered bigger than you can imagine. God made both you and your child with autism for an exact purpose. Thank you for joining me on an autism journey of HOPE where you will learn you are braver and blessed beyond measure because of a child with autism. Belinda Worley is a mother, speech language pathologist, and business owner of Bootheel Pediatric Therapy LLC in southeastern Missouri. She has been in practice since 2000 providing speech and language therapy to children with communication delays. She travels all across the United States as an autism awareness public speaker training educators, teachers, therapists and parents on strategies for working with children with an autism diagnosis. Her hobbies include reading, spending time on the lake, volunteer work, traveling and being with family and friends. Belinda has earned her undergraduate and Masters Degree from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky. Belinda and her husband Ben live in Dexter, Missouri with their daughter Emma Kate. You can contact Belinda Worley at bptkids@yahoo.com.