Morrell and Palmer met two decades ago in a support group for mothers of autistic children. Their sons are on opposite ends of the autism spectrum; one is highly active and requires constant supervision at the residential farm community where he lives, the other is quiet and passive and is living independently at college. The authors take advantage of their "empty nest" time to reflect on the challenges of raising their autistic sons. Discussion includes life after diagnosis; specific challenges to marriage, siblings, and extended family; the importance of self-care; and thoughts on dealing with the public and advocating for the children, among other topics. The authors extract lessons from their narratives to be of use to parents of recently diagnosed autistic children. Both women are associated with the Autism Society of North Carolina. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)