If it seems too good to be true, it probably is

There have been a few controversies in the past few weeks that I've been following; they involve people claiming to represent reputable organizations that give things to families with autistic children. (I'm not going to mention any specifics because people like this tend to be litigious.)

The premise is the same, though: An organization says "we'll give you something for free to help your autistic child," and you think "wow! That's the best thing ever!" But then it turns out that they're just frauds and cheaters and you not only have lost your money or your time or whatever it was you gave them, you have also lost the hope that you had for the thing that was probably going to make all the difference for your child. The thing that you wish more than anything you could have, but it's just so damn expensive. This person came along and told you you could have it for free, but it turned out that they were liars. It's not fair. It's horrible. It sucks.

This is just my reminder to all the special needs families out there who are broke and desperate and pushed to their limits: people will take advantage of your need. People don't care that you're stressed beyond belief and have no money or time and you just want that thing that will make your kid's life a little easier. They just want your money; they don't care about your kid. It's hard for me to even believe that people like this exist, but they do. They do.

I would warn you to do your research before you make any commitments, but you probably don't have the time for that. While that's good advice, my biggest warning is that if somebody comes along with something that seems too good to be true? It probably is. Try not to get your hopes up, no matter how hard that is, because lost hope is so much worse than lost money or time.

And remember: there's a huge community of honest people out there who will have your back; don't be afraid to ask for help.

Related: Here is a good example of how people can be honest and good.

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