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Autism Therapist Peter Farag worked with Shannon Penrod\u2019s son Jem when he was first diagnosed with Autism. \xa0Both the mom and the therapist became close as Jem progressed. \xa0Farag, whose Autism expertise often called him to other areas of the world, including Dubai and South Africa, would return periodically to Jem\u2019s case at crucial moments, helping the boy and his family to overcome challenges. \xa0At a recent leadership retreat held by the Center for Autism and Related Disorders the mom and the therapist found themselves on a team facing a \u201chigh rope challenge\u201d. \xa0Both were afraid of heights, neither wanted to do the challenge that required team work and nerves of steel. \xa0The mom kiddingly said to Farag, \u201cWe could do that. \xa0We\u2019ve faced bigger challenges than that, just on the ground.\u201d \xa0Farag said \u201cLet\u2019s do it!\u201d and the Mom instantly regretted it. \xa0The two were put in harnesses and the mom pointed out another challenge that was less \u201cspectacular\u201d. \xa0\u201cWe could do that one,\u201d she said as she pointed to the other challenge, \u201cIt looks easier.\u201d \xa0Farag sized up the two challenges and said to her, \u201cWe never took the easy way with Jem, why would we do that now?\u201d \xa0And that\u2019s all it took. \xa0Two people afraid of heights climbed the pole and made their way across a wire by working together and trusting each other, as they had for years. \xa0 The crowd yelled, \u201cShannon, you have to trust Peter.\u201d \xa0She yelled back, \u201cI trust Peter, more than anyone.\u201d

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Autism Live is a production of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD), headquartered in Woodland Hills, California, and with offices throughout, the United States and around the globe. For more information on therapy for autism and other related disorders, visit the CARD website at http://centerforautism.com