Bonnie, 42. I'm the proud mom of 2 boyz! Yes, "boyz," because for me, the alternate spelling with a "z" describes how wild, crazy & fun my boyz are! My oldest, 13, is the one dx. with Autism (PDDNOS). It has been 11 years of sheer hell, fighting for a correct dx., advocating, finding the right educational setting, enduring the social/psychological abuse from other parents/kids, who were part of my son's school day, and defending him from these and some "teachers" (if I can really call them that), who totally abused my son in his initial school settings. For four years I was made to feel inferior, stupid, a crazy mom making "unrealistic" requests, by teachers/educational specialists, school psychologists and school administrators for my strong, direct, ademant, no-holes-barred fight to defend my son and his "rights" for a fair, safe educational setting that would truly meet his needs and make him feel loved, appreciated and safe. It's amazing to me that we have to call it his "rights" because for me, this is how all children should be treated--with love, care, concern, respect, decency. Society has lost its respect for children!

My younger boy, 10, has been a FANTASTIC brother! He has defended, played with, taught, assisted his brother in so many ways, he will never fully understand how much I love him for playing such an important role in his brother's life. I'm fortunate that they both get along so well. I read stories of other siblings who really don't get along with their autistic sibling. Now, grant it, he does get angry and frustrated with his older brother at times. But I try to teach him the why behind his brother's condition and why treating disabled people with kindness, love and respect is crucial. I want him to grow into a compassionate adult, capable of reaching out to others who need an extra lift in this crazy world. I consider it my God-given responsibility to ensure he grow up to be this compassionate person that can turn around and serve in his community.