I once was a behavioral therapist for children with Autism. I had a little girl who met all of the milestones but I felt uneasy once I learned I was having a little boy. Phoenix was born during the summer of 2006. I instantly noticed a difference in his behavior. He didn't like to be held or touched. He was happy sitting in his swing staring off into the distance. He was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder by age 3 and was placed into a special day class. His older sister was frustrated with his tantrums and I was crying myself to sleep at night. Over time, his outburts stopped and we began to understand what triggered him and how to manage his surroundings. I once thought it was the begining of the end, but my little Phoenix is a trooper and showed us that life is much more than milestones or charts. Who wants a square when they can have a star? He's a true blessing and miracle for my family!

Erika Lopez
San Jose, CA