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Open Image ModalAt first autism meant "scary" to our family. As time went on autism became normal. The littlest things like your child eating a new food puts you in a good mood and warrants a brag post on Facebook! (credit:Andrea Reynolds)
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Open Image ModalIt means seeing the world through a different set of lenses. (credit:Aimee Heintz)
(03 of26)
Open Image ModalIt would take at least a dozen pictures. Him reading a book at 3-years-old, even though no one taught him how. Crying because the sun hurts his eyes or his brothers were just too loud. Laughing. Snuggling. Riding his bike. He has taught us so much. He is truly our sunshine. (credit:Erika Strojny Myers)
(04 of26)
Open Image ModalOur daughter has Down syndrome and autism and is a small piece of the puzzle. Autism means a little more unique than the rest... (credit:Liz O'Neill DeSantis)
(05 of26)
Open Image ModalAutism is enjoying swings, rides and slides! (credit:Bree Beers)
(06 of26)
Open Image ModalAutism means your child can be your hero. (credit:Nikki Walling)
(07 of26)
Open Image ModalAutism to me means cherishing every milestone, every bite of food, every babble, every time my son points to something to share interest, every hug, every kiss. We rejoiced when he would tolerate eating a sucker! It was a big deal! Literally every moment or stride brings me joy and hope. (credit:Denisse Edwards)
(08 of26)
Open Image ModalTo our family autism means compassion and patience. It inspires me to see the uniqueness in all children, even "typical" kids. (credit:Timil Jones)
(09 of26)
Open Image ModalAutism means building from our strengths and what brings us joy. (credit:Johannah Maynard Edwards)
(10 of26)
Open Image ModalTaking family vacations like everyone else. (credit:Autumn J)
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Open Image ModalAutism means that moments like these are rare and treasured and completely unforgettable. (credit:Leah Soderberg)
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Open Image ModalAutism means looking at the world through a magnificent set of lenses that only he can provide. (credit:Megan Kuecher)
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Open Image ModalAutism is celebrating the accomplishments that others overlook -- even something as simple as touching sand! (credit:Karen LaSalle)
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Open Image ModalAutism means sometimes she wants a big hug -- just not from her mommy. Autism means understanding all her nonverbal cues and never taking it personally. (credit:Carey Struss Pruett)
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Open Image ModalIt means never having the socially accepted "appropriate" answer, but always being a delightful surprise and a ray of fresh sunshine. Also it means hating babies but loving his little brother unconditionally. (credit:Tricia Lewis)
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Open Image ModalIt means taking a completely different path on the journey you had in your mind, all while learning that beauty is nothing like you ever imagined, it's better. (credit:Amanda Webster)
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Open Image ModalAutism to us means knowing that not everyone will understand and that's OK. (credit:Aleana Lopez)
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Open Image ModalAutism means learning and changing. I never expected to be here, but I will do everything I can to help my son. (credit:Nicole Baum)
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Open Image ModalAutism means that it's not going to be how I thought it would be. It means taking a different path than most. It means I will hold his hand and walk with him through whatever struggle we face or success we have. (credit:Amanda Gutierrez-Taylor)
(20 of26)
Open Image ModalAutism means finding joy in each and every accomplishment! Autism means challenges, loving so much it hurts, growth, setbacks, memorizing every line from a movie, picky eating, laughing, innocence. This kid's future is so bright that he needs his shades indoors. (credit:Megan O'Neill)
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Open Image ModalIt means the rules change every day, food usually doesn't get eaten, and I was lucky enough to give birth to the bravest Superman I've ever known. (credit:Dympna Calandro)
(22 of26)
Open Image ModalTo us, autism means not assuming that ASD kids are unhappy or un-bonded to their families. Drew is the sweetest, kindest, most loving little boy. In our life, autism means getting stuck in every entrance door because Drew has a fixation on doors. It also means protecting our sweet baby from the mean people who have cussed at him when he's had a meltdown in public. (credit:Jackelyn Eller)
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Open Image ModalIt's about living out loud; he never censors himself to make anyone feel more comfortable, he is unapologetically himself. When you're a freshman and your sister is a senior and she takes you as her date to the winter formal, that's a pretty fantastic thing. Sure, he may have both Down syndrome AND autism, but he's also got some killer dance moves; neither diagnosis defines him. (credit:Jayne Schroeder)
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Open Image ModalIt means we learn to take on this crazy world in a whole different way together, we teach each other and the people around us to think and learn a different and unique way. My favorite saying: " I would not change you for the world, but I would change the world for you" (credit:Jess Winter Rivers)
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Open Image ModalI believe autism means to have more patience and be more patient and to have an open mind for new ideas to overcome challenges. I believe every child has a story, they are unique and beautiful in their special ways. (credit:Michelle Lora)
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Open Image ModalWe are a military family with two beautiful boys on the spectrum and to us autism is just love. (credit:Jessi Henry)