Hello!! My name is Katie Pierce and my son was diagnosed with Autism in April of 2022. I joined this cause to help raise awareness and to also to encourage more parents to get their children tested and screened early on and to be aware of what signs to look for.

As a mother, you have that intuition, that sense, when you know something is off. Every milestone, physically, Aiden would hit, but I noticed he wasn't talking as much as my first child did. I mentioned something to the pediatrician at 18 months and they recommended Speech Therapy for him. This was done virtually (Zoom) since the COVID pandemic shut everything down. WORST Experience EVER! It tugged at my heart strings. As a mother knew what my son wanted but couldn't give it to him unless he was to sign it or verbally speak.

I did this 2 times a week for months on Zoom and every time I would be in tears at the end of it. Trying to get a 18 month old to pay attention on Zoom alone was impossible! I switched therapists shortly after and the new therapist mentioned that I should just get him screened to rule out any possibilities. I could sit here and write about the whole process, but I don't want to, because it was long, hard, and I shed plenty of tears through the process.

Finally, at almost 4 years old, I received a diagnosis after getting him screened and tested. I received his diagnosis on April 29th, 2022.My son is currently receiving Speech, OT therapy, and ABA therapy. We were wait listed for ABA therapy for almost 7 month at 5 different facilities. Wasn't until I started going into office and asking where i was on the wait list, did I start getting answers and a spot opened. I couldnt be more grateful for the ABA School he is in now. They have truly been a blessing to me and Aiden!

This year Aiden completed his 1st year of kindergarten. Aiden can tell you his name, how old he is, his schools name, when his birthday is, colors, letters, shapes, sing songs. He is able to write his name now, count to 50, ask for help, and the best part..... he's able to communicate with peers and is truly excelling in every way possible and I know he will only continue to do so.

The dots are starting to connect for him slowly but surely. I've had to learn patience is truly the key with this no matter how frustrating and lonely this process can feel sometimes.

Being a mother and not having answers is one of the most stressful, scariest things I have gone through. For any mom, regardless of the situation. Getting answers and raising awareness to get children screened, tested, or even early signs to look for, helps. This diagnosis was something new to me and I'm still learning everyday about it. I will always be there to advocate for my son. Forever and always.

Today, over 70 million children and adults are affected by autism. Each of them, have unique strengths, challenges and potential. Autism Speaks is a program will be there for them. You and I can be too.

It's only through the dedicated support of people like us that Autism Speaks can continue their vital mission work. Each year, the Autism Speaks Autism Response Team makes direct contact with tens of thousands of individuals looking for advice or guidance and more than one million people access their free nationwide autism services and resources. They continue to partner and support research to improve the lives of people with autism by investing in science that will allow more personalized treatments and therapies. You can find out even more about where your fundraising dollars go at autismspeaks.org/our-work.

Please join me by donating to help me reach my fundraising goal. Together, we have the power to enhance the lives of people with autism and make a meaningful difference. Thanks so much for your support and helping the cause!!!