I was fortunate to not have to work while I was in nursing school, but I babysit for a family who has two autistic daughters in my free time. When I started, they were 2 in a half and one years old. I did not feel any pressure or frustration when I cared for these girls as many respite caregivers do, especially with young children. I was very patient with the girls given that they were not able to verbally communicate, nor were toilet trained. Each time I watched them, they brightened my day and bring me great joy when I get to talk about them. Having watched them for two years now, I have watched them grow developmentally and linguistically. The 4-year-old can now speak in complete sentences and is toilet trained, while the toddler is slowly
