My son Jack.

He was diagnosed with autism when he was a toddler.

In first grade, he had trouble sitting for circle time.

In fourth grade, he was reading at a 5-year old level.

In fifth grade, he bit the teacher. He threw books.

In sixth grade, I had to pick him up from school because he wasn't regulated enough to take the bus home.

In ninth grade, he could barely finish a single worksheet for homework.

Today, he starts his third year in a college program.

Autism is heartbreak by a thousand papercuts, it’s true.

And when you’re staring into the face of forever, it’s easy to believe the minute where you stand will last a lifetime.

Goodness, how far we've come.

I am fiercely proud of him.

Please join me in wishing this young man a great start to his junior year.