My son's name is Anthony and after 6 long years of fighting for a diagnose and tantrum after tantrum, confusion and frustration I finally got an answer, Autism Disorder with ADHD. Didn't surprise me but did hurt to hear. I knew all along. He is the best child a mother could have. He is enrolled in an IB league school for gifted and talented children, plays sports, currently in American Football. But things aren't always as nice as they seem. At the age of 3 I was terrified of my son. He was nonverbal up until 4 and would take out all that frustration on me. When he was 5 I met my husband and his son who have helped me so much with my son I could never repay them for it. I know thanks to their help my son now is more verbal and his tantrums have reduced to 1 a month or so. He is very sensitive to the light, going out in the sun is such a nightmare, loud sounds horrible. But all these are just things we as a family had to learn to adapt to. Everyday is definitely a new challenge although we try hard to maintain everyday with the same routine or he will flip and as he gets older he gets stronger and tantrums are no longer rolling on the floor tantrums. I'm just learning how to work with him so I can understand him better. I always knew my baby was different, but never less.With the love and support from my husband and my stepson who have been a great help in my son's journey I know we will be fine. Couldn't do it with out my husband and stepson they are a true blessing through out this journey. I can't wait to see my son become a the great and successful man I know he will become one day!

Alejandra Rugg
Sturtevant, WI