My son Joshua Bonilla is 17 yrs. old and he is my oldest child. His sister Denise Bonilla is 14 yrs. old. When Joshua was born he seems perfectly fine but at age two we noticed that his speech was delayed. He isolated himself and would not let me participate on his play. Joshua started having behavior problems, he was very defiant, he was very systematic, have trouble transitioning from one activity to another and he also had sensory issues. When my daughter was born I decided to stay home. I realized it was the best decision and that he could use all the help. It was not easy going to the park, grocery store and other public places and get bad looks from other parents but I new that he needed to be expose to these things. I basically had to educate myself on autism and create sort of like a manual better understand him. I went through a lot of pain, tears and frustration raising this little guy. I worked hard with him, it took a lot of love and a divine patience but it was all worth it. Joshua is now 17 and he turned into a fine, kind, loving young man. He loves basketball and swimming. His interest are in technology and food. He earned high honors and he is currently mainstream, goes to a regular classroom with a paraprofessional and his work is modified. Joshua has make a lot of friends and he loves to attend different events at his school. I am very proud to be his Mom and his advocate.