LEWISTON, N.Y. (WKBW)— When Ellen Madsen’s son Jack was diagnosed with severe autism at just two and a half years old, her world changed.

Now 7-years-old, Jack is nonverbal and uses a device to help communicate, but he’s also, as Ellen describes, “a typical boy, through and through… rough, active, and happy.”

While Ellen says her family and friends have provided a strong support system, she knows that’s not the case for every parent raising a child with special needs.

“I have great people who have really put scaffolding around us, but I know that’s not the case for most people,” Madsen said. “I don’t think there’s enough help for caregivers in general.”

That realization inspired her to start Parent Connection, a new support group in Lewiston designed for parents and caregivers of child

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