My son was dianosed in 1999 when he was 5 years old. At the time all I knew of autism was “Rainman”. My son had no language delay and had decent eye contact, but when he couldn’t function in a typical classroom, we had to start looking. The last 10 years have been frustrating and beautiful and sad and funny and every other emotion you can imagine. Now, as a teenager, he is the most fascinating person I know. We chose to home school and it was the best choice we could have made. I can follow his passions around and we’re both learning about life and patience and autism. I say “I’ve done this” but really? You never stop learning.