Today, over 70 million children and adults are affected by autism.  As of 2026, 1 in 36 children will be diagnosed on the spectrum. This many of which who don't even though  Each of them, have unique strengths, challenges and potential. Autism Speaks will be there for them. You and I can be too.

On September 11, 2013, I became a mother to a child with Autism. My first born. My first experience at motherhood and my first time navigating through a journey I felt unequipped to handle. For many years I questioned my ability to be a special needs parent....was I too hard on my son? Did I give him enough grace today? Did I allow him a safe space to express his feelings? Should I have disciplined him for that? Did I remember to tell him to say his prayers at night? All of these thoughts haunted me day after day and night after night. I questioned God so many times....I didn't have the experience, I didn't have the knowledge and I surely didn't have the patience....I felt set up....I felt like God didn't give me the tools to help my son along this journey through life.....