There's no question that autism can take a toll on families. Treatment is time-consuming and expensive. The Dabney family of North Carolina is living with autism and making things work.
The Dabneys have four children. Twins Miranda and Taylor are 10, Hope is seven and Drew is five. Drew is also autistic.
For two-and-a-half years, the Dabneys have taken a rough journey through the highs and lows of autism.
It's been an adjustment for everyone, including other children but in the Dabneys case, Drew's disorder helped bring the family closer together.
Mom Kim Dabney says, "They keep me sane. They love him so purely and play with him and are so interactive with him. And I realize that's a little unusual. I realize that a lot of siblings get very wary, almost embarrassed sometimes and don't understand why their brother or sister, older or younger, if they're autistic, why they act that way. And I know it's hard. I know it's a burden."
The girls admit things can get tough but they always love their little brother.
Hope says, "Sometimes it's annoying. When he screams, it's sometimes annoying. But he's cute."
The Dabneys find that taking it one step at a time works best. They're motivated by high hopes and dreams for the youngest member of their family.
Dad Bailey Dabney says, "I've had a great life and I hope that he has the kind of great life that I've had."
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