I am a PCA, I work with disabled people in their homes so they can stay in them.  I am dating a man with CP..

AUTISM 

He is not my friend, but he has come to stay in my child., We new he was there from an early age but did not know his name until my child was 5. Though we were fighting Autism since my child was 3.
Autism wants my child but I want my child more. When my child is 25 years old - will need someone to be with my child just like he was 4 years old. I guess that point I will win because I will always be mom and have someone to take care off!! ( a good mom always is happy taking care of her own ) But I will have to worry about that day that old age takes me away. Autism will still be in my child and who will care for my child then.
Autism has change my life style and scared my child father away. But Autism does not scare everyone. Autism may think he got the better hand, but I have found a new man to help me with my child, and true friends to lend an ear.
Autism makes me mad, and made me think why he came. I blamed myself for letting him in. I know I did not let Autism in. Though I have stopped and looked at my child a little different. I get more joy out of my child's smile, but Autism will not let my child say I love you. OOH yes the eyes on my child- I look in them and see joy and love of life, piece, and a world I would love to know better.
Autism did have my child's voice, but I have won the first battle, my child will tell me what my child wants and is looking at. Autism still keeps my child from talking like you. So that is one of the many battles I have with Autism, my war is not over until I can no longer breath.
Autism loves to show up in my child when we are shopping or doing something new. So please the next time you are shopping and see a child looking like he is spoiled brat and mom is calm trying to help the child. I bet it is Autism getting the better of that child. The mom can not hide, Just has to let the meltdown pass. She needs to get here day done just like you!
I am not doing half the thing that I dreamed I would do when I had kids, Autism is a full time job to keep my child safe. Autism has my life, but I try to send him away ever chance I get. My children are my world with or with out autism.
I asked God for a child with ten toes and fingers and for got to ask for my child to think like everyone else. I have to share my child with Autism and change my dreams but that is not as bad as it could be. I can still hugs my child good night and have joy with every milestone he passes.