CNN PRODUCER NOTE     4Sam is the mother of Sam Wessels, a fifth grader in Rock Rapids, Iowa. She says he is well spoken and it's almost hard to tell sometimes that he has autism, but he wants politicians to know that there are many other people with autism who cannot speak for themselves. 'Somebody needs to stand up for them as well,' she said.

In an article she wrote for The Age of Autism, she describes the moment when Sam spoke to President Obama:

'Once he reached us, I instructed Sam, "Tell the president what you have to say." ... The president leaned closer, completely engaged in what Sam had to say to him. To say I was impressed in his sincerity in hearing Sam's message would not serve the moment due justice. I was in absolute awe at the amount of time he spent with this one child. Sam told his president his name and age. He made sure President Obama knew he was honored to meet him. He then asked President Obama if he would please join him in standing up for people with autism. He further explained that he himself stands up for people with autism because he has autism, and although he is able to speak for himself, too many people with autism are not and someone needs to stand up for them as well. The presidents reply? "Sam, I will gladly stand up with you for people with autism. As a matter of fact, I had already planned to stand up for those who have autism. Autism is an enormous issue and I have a plan." He thanked Sam for his courage in standing up for something he cares about as well as for taking the time to come and see him in person to deliver his message face to face.'

The Wessels are Republicans, but Sam's mom says she is keeping an open mind.

Watch Sam talk about autism in this iReport video he recorded for Autism Awareness Month earlier this year.
- dsashin, CNN iReport producer