I never imagined I'd be fundraising and walking for my autistic son, but here I am, and I couldn't be prouder!

By the time Liam was 18-months-old, he was head-banging and self-injuring up to 50 times a day. He was speech delayed, and was displaying extreme behaviors. The special education teacher in me combined with mother’s intuition knew something was amiss.

After intensive early intervention and therapies, Liam was diagnosed with autism in April 2024. Additionally, he has sensory processing and attention challenges. It's been quite a rollercoaster ride, but he's come incredibly far since his early toddler years! 

Liam is playful, obsessed with Hot Wheels and transportation, social, talkative, silly, beautiful, and an all-around sweet boy. He loves the color yellow and dreams of riding a yellow motorcycle when he's older. His brilliant mind amazes me every day. Liam enjoys playing with his cousins, building with Legos, playing in the sand, and loves everything music, especially reggaeton. Most importantly, he's a joyful three-year-old who brings immense happiness to everyone around him.

Like many children with autism, Liam has a busy therapy schedule, including daily ABA therapy, along with multiple weekly sessions of occupational therapy, sensory and motor therapy, speech therapy, and developmental behavioral therapy. He's made tremendous progress already!

When Liam was diagnosed, I turned to the Autism Speaks website for resources and guidance. I can’t say enough about this wonderful organization that helps millions of autistic people and their families. 

Liam, I am sure you will read this one day, so I will say to you what I tell you every night before bed: I love you with all my heart and soul, no matter what. I'm so proud to be your mom.

Thank you to all for your consideration, support, and generosity. Liam is the luckiest little boy to be so loved by so many! 

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Today, over 70 million children and adults are affected by autism. Each of them, have unique strengths, challenges and potential. Autism Speaks 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!