天美传媒

Dena Gassner has autism spectrum disorder. She is also a mother of two and pursuing a Ph.D. in at Adelphi.

On April 2, 2016鈥擶orld Autism Day鈥攕he spoke at 天美传媒 about her experience as a parent with autism, as part of the annual hosted by the in partnership with the Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association (AHA).

, the daily video news update from , also recently featured her story. Gassner spoke candidly with host Cat Greenleaf about misconceptions about adults and parents with autism spectrum disorder and how her diagnosis has transformed her life.

鈥淭he diagnosis gave me a framework of identity. It doesn鈥檛 define me,鈥� Gassner said. 鈥淚t explains me, somewhat to other people, but more so to myself.鈥�

Gassner was moved to tears in describing what the diagnosis has meant for her relationship with her daughter.

鈥淲e鈥檝e had this healing that I can鈥檛 even describe. It鈥檚 been wonderful,鈥� Gassner said.

.