18 years with an autistic kid. Our son, Milan, turns 18 today. When he was two a doctor told us we might never get to talk to him. Several he goes to school with aren't verbal. He talks today, but is a man of few words. When he speaks, especially if I'm angry about something, he always has a funny way to look at it. Several times, in those situations, he'll say "daddy you need a vacation." Or "daddy you need some anger management." Always gets me to laugh. Our family has a bunch of Milan's sayings that entertain them, like that. When we first heard he was autistic and would have severe problems in life we saw many of our dreams disappear. He isn't the kind of person to play baseball with you. Or, even, sit down and watch a movie with you (he walks out of most of them before they get half way). But he puts in the work, every week we go see his speech therapist, same one we've seen for 13 years once a week. Which requires two hours of driving. Looking back he has taught me so many things that I never would have thought I'd have to learn. Like that the school system is not on parents side. We've had to hire lawyers and other specialists to make sure he gets the help he needs. If you bring a life into this world, be ready to be taught lessons you never signed up for. I love him so. I'm proud of him, and proud of myself. 16 years ago I couldn't see how we would get here. If you have a young autistic kid, or some other kid who has special needs, you know just what I'm saying. I see you, and know that it gets better. Mostly because you'll change yourself. Which isn't easy, but then life isn't always easy.