I sat thinking how grim my life seemed 11 years ago when I received my sons autism diagnosis but that wasn't the case at all...a new life just began. It took lots of hard work, giving up my career and a divorce from my sons father but all of it was more than worth it. I attended therapy sessions and volunteered at school so I could learn how to teach my son at home as well. Our perseverance paid off. Although he is not 100% inclusive the opportunities that have come our way over the past 2 years are mind blowing. Socially he has improved tenfold. He has been a team manager for the middle school/high school football team and received a letter in football. He has learned sign language and has expressed his desire to use it as a tool for college. And last week he was invited to the prom. He will be wearing a tuxedo, presenting his date with flowers, and riding to the prom in a limo. Devon Thomas will be 16 in July and I couldn't be more proud of him. I had someone try to tell me once that he would never be able to accomplish anything but I didn't listen. I have people say that he will always live with me and I won't accept that. This summer he will be getting his first job with the help of a job coach. Never think these things aren't possible because they are and another thing...we aren't finished yet!

Susan Ruiz
Saint Clairsville, OH