Autism diagnosis shakes family

Adjusting to disorder is a challenge, but can be done, mom says By LUELLA N. BRIEN Of The Gazette Staff Marlene and John Hauck had to learn a new version of normal that came into their lives when their son Jared was diagnosed with autism. "A 30-minute doctor's appointment changed my life more than anything ever has," Marlene Hauck told more than 150 people at the annual At Risk Conference at Montana State University Billings on Monday. Her son, nearly 2 years old when he was diagnosed with autism, was exhibiting classic signs of the disorder. Jared would have intense temper tantrums, and he wouldn't respond when his parents called his name. But Hauck said she didn't realize he was autistic because he looked so normal. "Of course, hindsight is 20-20," she said. "There is no cure, there is no known cause and the doctors say... [read full story]