The first dialogue!!!

You're 25 years old.

This is the first time your mother has heard you communicate verbally by saying your first word. "Yes."

And it's Monday. Our first meeting.

It's the first time I see you having a verbal dialogue with your mother.

And it's Friday. Today.

"What I just saw and heard moves me!" I say to her.

"Have you ever had a dialogue with your son before?" I ask her.

"No. This is the first time...." She replies.

And I take a deep breath, of emotion, of relief, of gratitude.

Deep gratitude for giving me these experiences when you trust me to be your "teacher" and at the same time allow me to be your student!

THANK YOU FOR MAKING ME WHO I AM.... my autistic friends!

THANK YOU and all of you parents and guardians of my friends!

We are family.

Have a great weekend!