I actually got goosebumps and burst into tears. Not tears of sadness, but tears of happiness, joy, and hope. The amount of hope that filled me during this video was overwhelming. One of our first questions after our son's diagnosis was what about his future? What does this really mean? And for every child with Autism that answer is different. In this video you will see the answer for him. He was his class Salutatorian and is headed to college. His mom's tenacity and his motivation have taken him to a place where every parent of a child with Autism can wish for.
In the video Diane Sawyer mentions that he had to be taught emotion, and the boy jokes about doing what he is "supposed to do" socially and emotionally at times. It is good to know that teaching social and emotional skills actually works in the long run, since we spend a LOT of time in those areas.
The BIGGEST thing to impact me from this video was his acceptance. His peers are overjoyed at his accomplishment. They cheer and give him a standing ovation. You can tell they really like him and care. I guess that is why my tears were really flowing, I want that for my son. I want that so. very. badly.
Excuse the obnoxious 15 second commercial they make you sit through before you are allowed to watch this amazing heartfelt video, sigh.
To read the full story on ABC News:
http://abcnews.go.com/WN/Broadcast/student-autism-class-salutatorian-delivers-high-school-graduation/story?id=10933858
