Just over 10 years ago, I met my husband and my son, Eddie. Eddie was only six years old and the most adorable little boy. As soon as we met, magic happened! Eddie and I bonded over music (Bruce Springsteen) and everything Disney. Eddie was virtually non-verbal and could only say yes and no, but he always made eye contact with me. It wasn't until later that I realized how special that was. I was very ignorant about autism and the sum of my understanding came from watching the movie 'Rainman.' I married my husband and became Eddie's Mom just 10 weeks after we met. Shortly afterwards, Eddie started to sing - every word crystal clear to his favorite songs. His miracle happened through music and Eddie began to speak. He could finally let his needs and wants be known! He is still not conversational, but he communicates with us. We can have a full and fulfilling relationship! I have learned so much about autism in the past 10 years, but I've learned even more about myself and other people. So very many teachers, sitters, friends and even strangers have joined us in our love for my son and given us the support we needed. We go to every carnival, broadway show, circus and concert we can get to and everyone who recognizes the autism bracelet I wear or notices that Eddie is autistic has been open, helpful and accepting. The pinnacle of Eddie's life so far has been when we attended one of our many Bruce Springsteen concerts and we held up a sign thanking the band for their music teaching Eddie to speak. Upon seeing the sign, Bruce passed his harmonica to Eddie, who played it non-stop for the remainder of the night - PRICELESS!

Heather Kowalczyk
Oakland, NJ