My daughter was diagnosed in December of 2008. She had just turned two years old. It was a shock to me and I wasn't really sure how to handle it. Sometimes I still don't.  I had no idea what I was going to face. Madison does not speak and hardly communicates. This is what is the hardest for me personally. Not being able to be called mommy or her telling me she is in pain when I  know she is. I have hope some day she will speak since some of these kids do gain some vocabulary. This past November she had her first seizure it was the worst moment of my life. In the back of my mind I knew seizures were common but I thought we past that stage since she was almost three and seizure free. What people don't really understand is that there are many levels of Autism which is referred to as the Autism Spectrum. Some Autistic kids speak and act normally but are Autistic. My daughter cannot chew or feed herself or do any of the "normal" things three year olds do. She spins and bites herself to the point she is bleeding she also bangs her head on the wall when she is upset. Autism is heartbreaking.  People blame vaccines but I never focused on blame. I don't think even with the amount of people in this Country and the 1 in 110 children that are diagnosed that we take this seriously. For me, my priority is making sure Madison has the best education, doctors, and therapy she needs to reach her goals. She may not be able to say she loves me but I know she does and thats all that matters. Thats what keeps me going and for now thats all I need. I love her so much.