Winter's momlogic: I tried to hold back the tears--and it didn't work.

I had never been to a play about autism, and having been told to grab some Kleenex on my way into the darkened theatre, I have to say I was a little bit apprehensive. Autism Speaks' Mothers and Others on Autism began with an actress coming to center stage and flapping her arms and humming. Another actor enters the scene and begins to bounce a basketball. Shortly, all the cast comes on stage and begins to spin, hum and jump with glee, like little children lost in their own private fantasy. Their behavior stopped, and the monologues began.

This play will touch you, make you laugh and make you cry as it gives a glimpse into the inner lives of Moms who have autistic children. Ken's hilarious yet truthful "prayer" for healing during IEP season was nothing short of inspired. The audience celebrated during Catherine's jubilation at her child's first words and somberly watched the videos of Moms playing and connecting with their children. But tears flowed as Jackie described scrubbing "sh**" out of the carpet because her daughter wasn't potty trained, or when another actress lamented over trying to feed her children the varied supplements that are "required" for her son's health. There were many nods in the audience as one Mom discussed the silent guilt she feels that somehow her son's condition is her fault.

The strange mixture of sadness and laughter is coupled with anger at the nonstop runaround that many of the Moms get from doctors, teachers and administrators over getting what their kids need.

"One of my sons is a different learner," said Annie Potts, who played "Catherine." "I have my own experience with dealing with a kid who needs a different education. I am very sympathetic to parents who have that road."

"People will be more compelled to have compassion after seeing this play," said Deborah Portnoy, the play's creator and producer.

Annie told me shortly before the play began that there is nothing better than a good cry.

And that is exactly what I got.