Monday, February 22, 2010 10:09:03 AM

Autism is a way of life. It has meant new friends, supportive communities, a new perspective on life, and a respect for my other children for the empathy and understanding they have beyond their young years. Autism especially means my oldest.


My oldest is autistic. An autistic, beautiful, intelligent, innocent boy that is my son. He has brought me such joy since the day he was born. I respect his work ethic - he works harder than anyone I know to overcome obstacles and challenges most of us can not even imagine. I am in awe of my oldest and how far he has come and look forward to the future as he keeps accomplishing so much and defies the expectations of so many specialists years ago that made Autism seem like a dirty word.