CNN iReport

I have seen a tremendous increase in interest and attention this critical issue has received.  Our small town sponsored a lecture series on the issue and I am hoping to see more understanding from the public.  Every ounce of attention focused benefits us all.  I know in sharing our story, we have had many people who have shared that they know others who likewise live "on the spectrum."

Our lives have been forever affected by our daughter's struggles; both the child on the spectrum and the sibling of that child live with the issues that spectrum raise.  Our oldest fights for every developmental milestone . . . our youngest makes constant concessions to the demands of that fight.  We are very proud of both girls.

The video is of our oldest on her adapted bike.  She says "smile," and when that is repeated to her, gives a big cheesy grin.  The sheer joy in that grin makes me smile every time.  The other photo shows another cheesy grin; one that may be easier to achieve, but nonetheless precious.

We are not looking for sympathy; we don't need it.  All we hope that people understand that sometimes, the demands of every day life overwhelm our daughter and cause our family to be different.  She may be following a different path, but we, like all parents are hoping she will have a happy and productive life--it's what we all work towards.  We wish that for all of our children.