When my little brother was born I knew he would be my best friend. I was 8 years old when he was born and 11 years old when he was diagnosed with high functioning autism. He had the stereotypical behaviors of autism but it never really posed much of a problem for our family. I was the family member he bonded with the most; we would have endless hours of playing and talking. When he began puberty however he developed severe obsessive compulsive disorder. I felt like I lost my best friend forever, all of a sudden he was having ritualistic behaviors for hours and was exhibiting violent behavior to himself and others. But after months of trying different medications and therapy I am proud to say I have my best friend back. He is back to making silly jokes and being the curious life loving little man I knew. He is my constant inspiration. If he recover from obsessive compulsive disorder and go through life on the spectrum I know I can get through anything. He will always be my au-mazing best friend!

Anonymous
North Miami, FL