Autism Community?

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I am a mother of two boys, one being severely autistic. I can't count how many times I have heard the phrase "autism community" and just want to laugh, or sometimes even cry. Needless to say, parenting a special needs child can make it difficult to maintain active friendships with those whose children are "typical." One would think it would be easier to strike up friendships with those who can relate. However, I have come to the conclusion that there isn't much sense of community when it comes to parenting a child with autism. The competition amongst parents may be unspoken, but nevertheless, it is real. Conversations tend to revolve around comparisons about what your child is doing/saying now vs. theirs. Even worse, some parents are so adamant about what treatments and therapies are most effective that they tout them as being absolutely necessary. If you make the mistake of disagreeing...watch out! Basically, my perception now is that this is a community divided. There are no absolutes here because autism presents in so many unique ways, and no two children respond quite the same. Parents should come together to share the joys, heartaches, and advice. Let us remember to respect one another and the choices we make for our own children. By doing this, maybe we will one day be a community.