Life with an autistic child |23 July 2026
Julianne with her family
‘There is always hope. Never give up’ – Maggie Bouchereau
By Mandy Bertin
Every family has a story, but some are written differently — shaped by patience instead of perfection, by celebrating progress instead of comparing milestones, and by finding beauty in moments others might overlook.
As a mother of two daughters, Maggie Bouchereau has experienced the joys and challenges of parenthood in many ways. But raising her 15‑year‑old daughter, Julianne Lepathy, who is on the autism spectrum, has taken her on a journey she never expected. It has not always been easy, but it has been filled with love, resilience, and lessons that changed her forever.
In this week’s Life & Style page, Maggie shares the realities of raising a child with autism — the challenges that tested her strength, the moments that filled her with pride, and why understanding makes all the difference.
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