“Because of [my son’s] needs I’ve learned that while my knowledge and physical capabilities may have their limits, my love and compassion have none.”

—Dan Olawski

  Father

“I believe my life is going in the right direction. I’m very excited to see what the future brings.”

—Lee Passehl

  Diagnosed at age 3

“It became clear that [my daughter] would need additional supports. My husband and I found her a special support group for social interactions, a classroom aide, and placement into an Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) classroom.”

—SC Bracco

  Mother

“So, autism makes me a super-hero. I’m like Wonder Woman, right mommy?”

—Isabella Bracco

  SC Bracco’s Daughter

“This little boy, who fights the challenges of autism every day with such incredible energy and enthusiasm, not only teaches me what it means to be a dad, but what it means to be a man.”

—Dan Olawski

  Father

“Autism is not a burden or some super-secret weapon. It’s simply part of one’s identity. It’s taken me 17 years to learn to accept myself and my diagnosis.”

—Lee Passehl

  Diagnosed at age 3