I have wanted to be a mom for as long as I can remember. At 21, this dream finally came true and my beautiful boy, Keagan Raeh was born. He was such a happy baby, constantly wanting to cuddle on someone's shoulder. Around his second birthday, he began having horrible night terrors, behaving strangely, bashing his head into walls and floors, etc. His doctor kept saying this was normal, but mama knew better. At the age of four, during his preschool evaluation, our parent educator noticed the behaviors that concerned me. After much testing, he was diagnosed as developmentally delayed. It would be nearly two more years before he would be diagnosed with autism. The road has been bumpy and oh-so-painful, but this boy is amazing. He makes us smile and he truly enjoys life. Watching him overcome every obstacle is inspiring and I will never get tired of cheering him on. Nothing stops him and I do not think it ever will. He gets angry and acts out, but eventually figures it out. The pride on his face is priceless to me. I do not know where his journey will lead, but I know that he will be just fine. I hope that his beautiful soul will show people that autism does not have my baby, he has autism!

Dawn Gazaway
Nevada, MO