My son, Adam, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder when he was just four years old. He had a hard time in school. He was passed around from class to class. He finally found a place in one of our local schools (Ft. Branch Community School Life Skills) where he flourished. He went from being semi-nonverbal to verbal and is now learning to read. He goes on outings with his school where he learns about social skills and handling money. He learns to interact with other people and what to do when someone approaches him. But more than that, he is a sweet boy. He loves people and loves to make new friends. He's not afraid of strangers. He thinks of everyone as a new potential friend. He is now 11 years old and has an in school job (he sells coffee to the teachers 3 times a week) and he is well liked and received by teachers and students in his school. I love him more than anything in the world and am so proud of the progress he's made. Some would balk at the fact of having a special needs child. I celebrate it. I couldn't ask for a more wonderful child than my son. I strive to be more like him. I think we all should.

Marti Ketterer
Oakland City, IN