CNN iReport

Our son Michael was diagnosed with ASD when he was 18 months old. My husband had only been home for 3 months from a 15 month tour in Iraq. That was an adjustment in its self.  Adding this diagnosis was tough but something we seemed to adjust well to. Our first thoughts, "Ok, whats next. What do we need to do to help our son catch up to kids his age?" Which I guess is a better reaction then some people have. My son is not broken, he doesn't need to be fixed. He just needs help learning basic social behaviors and interaction skills.

It is hard to explain to people the joys you find in the little things. The first time he seemed to really look at me or my husband, the first hug (which happened after he was 2 years old), and the joy you find in something as small as him clapping for the first time.

Michael does 2 1/2 hours of ABA therapy a day. Once a week he does an hour of OT and an hour of speech therapy. At first all the therapy seemed like a lot, driving from here to there and fitting in every day life things as well. But, I will have to say all the hours of therapy are starting to pay off. He makes more eye contact. Michael does not respond to his name yet, but just to have him look at me is amazing. He is starting to point at things he wants, rather than just sitting on the floor rocking.

I can now take him into a store for a few minutes without it being overwhelming for him. Some might wonder, what "overwhelming" might mean. He does not scream or anything like that, he rocks in the cart. And he rocks hard. With so many objects in the store and so many sounds, it becomes overwhelming for him. Too much sensory input. I try to give him something to focus on, but along with being Autistic he is also 2 years old haha.

He lives on Pediasure. He has his moments of eating, but there are very few things he will eat. And, they have to be the same brand. Routine is key with Michael.

Michael's Dad has deployed again for another a year, which has been a huge change in Michael's routine. Each time he leaves, there are set backs. He was gone for a month for training not long ago and I could not get Michael to eat anything for 7 days. The only thing I could do was hope the pediasure would be enough for him.

So without speaking, his actions tell me he misses his Dad. During a phone call from his Dad from Iraq, Michael turned and kissed the phone. Which is huge! His first time giving a kiss to either of us. I cried, something so simple is such a huge milestone for him.

It is hard for my husband to be gone from our son for such long periods of time. Missing all the things he will accomplish while he's gone. Hoping he doesn't lose the bond they developed while he was home for a year.

Having a child with Autism has helped us appreciate the small things and not take for granted any moment we are given. We wouldn't change anything about Michael, he is beautiful and has a personality all his own. Having Autisim is just apart of who is he. And we are grateful for all the help and support the military has given us.