Autism's Impact on Family Dynamics

The Coconis family -- Reed, 8; Sam, 9;
Chad; Costa, 11; and Shannon -- play a
game together.

SOMERSET, Ohio -- It's a challenge to raise a family in today's world, but those dealing with autism have additional hurdles face.
"What's often overlooked is the impact it has on everybody," said Shannon Coconis, National Autism Association of Southeast Ohio president and the mother of an autistic child. "Divorce rates are high in autism families, and it's tough on the siblings. We're not perfect, but (husband) Chad and I love each other, and our