Josiah is a little, gentle giant, full of energy and laughs. He is smart and very observant. He loves tickles and running and being chased. He has an obsession for water-play and wheels. Dance sessions with the family are one of his favorite things to do. Witnessing him accomplish all kinds of milestones in real time is an overwhelming feeling. Life was already challenging before his diagnosis, but of course, we've learned and we've grown, and we've adjusted as needed.

Our Josiah was diagnosed with Autism Level 2 a little before the age of three. Before he turned a year old, I noticed he wasn't meeting his milestones, and his behavior seemed a bit off. When I took him for his 18 month check-up, the doctor's questionnaire labeld Josiah as below average on all categories. That was the moment that affirmed my suspicions. Long story short, I took the necessary steps to get him early intervention, as it had become more clear to me that his behaviors were falling on the spectrum, and his global delays went hand in hand with it. It was hard once the actual diagnosis came in. Having it officially on paper made it difficult to process; despite already foreseeing it. However, I made sure to get him the help he needed early on, and we, his parents, continue to do so. Life with Josiah has been a rollercoaster ride, but one we'll never stop riding with him and for him.

Autism leaves me wondering so many things, and for that reason, I think it's important to support research.

With that said, please consider supporting the Autism Awareness movement by donating to my fundraising goal!    Together we can strengthen others, especially the voiceless.

(Today, over 70 million children and adults are affected by autism. Each of them, have unique strengths, challenges and potential...It’s only through the dedicated support of people like us that Autism Speaks can continue their vital mission work...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.)

Thank YOU so much for your support!