When my son was diagnosed with autism at age 4, I cried for days. I thought I had failed him. Some people even blamed me, saying I must have done something wrong. At the time, I didn’t know what autism truly meant — I just knew my world had changed forever.

What followed were years of therapy sessions, IEP meetings, and constant advocacy. Raising a child with autism means fighting for understanding in every corner of their life — school, health care, and even your own family.

My son’s early years in Harford County, Maryland, were some of the toughest. For two years, he was bullied relentlessly. One day, he was even attacked on the school bus while the driver did nothing. As his mother, I was furious, heartbroken, and afraid for his safety.

But giving up was never an option. Over time, I

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