My name is Jamie, and on February 11th, 2013, my son Mason was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, just a few weeks short of his 2nd birthday.
These past months post diagnosis have certainly proven to be quite the journey for our family. Mason has of course gone through his challenges, we have our struggles, and we have wondered what the future holds for him. But the further we have come along this journey, I have come to realize that we need to try and live in the "now," live for today. We have to enjoy every accomplishment (and there have been many!), every smile, every great therapy session, every beautiful moment we have with our son. The official diagnosis of "autism" doesn't define Mason, but rather it has given us an avenue to allow him to get the extra help he needs, and assist us in learning how to help him.
We have decided to choose faith over fear, and I truly do have faith that no matter what this journey holds for Mason, he will grow to accomplish things beyond our wildest dreams. We believe in our son.
Ridgewood, NJ