Many years ago when we discovered our little boy had autism it was unheard of. Had noone to talk to about it so we had to fight and claw to get him to the place he is today. Age is the very best thing that can happen..I insisted and fought for my son to ALWAYS have one on one classes for math, spelling, reading, and speech..the very basics that we all need in life....Today Austism looks a bit different than when my son was given that label. What makes him stand out is his monotone voice almost stacotto sounding. He is very handsome but when he talks he is "different" "special" but we all worked with him..and he was part of that team. Our son is special and will always be special..because a truly autistic person will always be..but here's the good news..we never gave up and this young man..just faced realtiy and moved on. As I said we made sure he learned what he needed to live..took him to the grocery store..his teacher did..to help develope life skills..he leraned the entire bus transit schedules..OMG I don't even know what it's all about. If the weather is bad he calls a cab. He has a job..with absolutley no stress..on the weekends. He has his own apartment YES HE DOES...it's just a fabulous little place but I decorated it ..it could be in a magazine..he picked out the theme.He knows to pay his bills and go to the bank It's amazing. He is always out and about looking at the world through his own eyes..He goes to sports bars and drinks ice tea and diet soda and watches the games..the management adores him and looks out for him..he has things planned every day...uses a cell phone and can text. He loves to go to his synagoge on Fridays..he has made a life independely of us. That was the plan all along..so if we pass on..and we will...he won't be lost. This is a very short look into the life of a very special young man who is and will always be "different" and yet somehow manages to make his self fit in and contribute. I always say he's my hero..and he is...That's MY Story..