Josiah is a happy boy, full of energy and fun. He is smart, observant, joyful, active, passionate and advenadventurous. He loves tickles, running, being chased, nature, squishy toys and animal toys. He has an obsession for water-play and wheels. Dance sessions and jumping in the trampoline with family are a couple 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 have learned, grown, and 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 was not meeting his milestones. 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 continue to do so. Life with Josiah has been a rollercoaster; one we will NEVER stop riding with him and for him.

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

Thank YOU for standing with us, behind us, and all around us.