I didn't know that when I had my son, Gabriel, that he would fill his biblical name to the fullest. When he was first born, I knew immediately that he was different. He never slept a full nap or a nights sleep, he took little cat naps. He screamed all the time. He hated bright lights and loud noises. And he almost never makes eye contact. His meltdowns are so severe that the security officers in stores would surround anyone that was brave enough to shop with Gabriel and to tell him no when he asked for something. I knew that he was smart and vocal, but I could also tell that Gabriel had problems saying what he needed to say. I took him to the pediatrician several times, asking him to please look into the Autism Spectrum. We were referred to an Autism Specialist in July of 2008, where he was immediately diagnosed with Aspergers/Autism. Then the pieces all started to fall into place. Now, he see's a behavior specialist, a psychiatrist, school counselor and he is learning how to communicate his needs better. He is also teaching everyone around him HIS message. Gabriel defines his Autism, his Autism does NOT define him... I thank god every day that he was able to share THIS messenger Angel with me. Because now Gabriel is sharing his message of Autism Awareness with those around him!

Randi Schneider
Yakima, WA