Jake (14), Autism, Putnam County

“The key to acceptance is a willingness to be present with Jake, to join Jake on his terms. ”

Tree (5), Autism, Shelby County

“Being the parent of children without autism, Tree challenged everything I knew of behavior, understanding, discipline, and development in children.”

Myles (4), Autism, Shelby County

“Our life is all about therapies, not play- dates.”

Diego (9), Autism, Montgomery County

“There should be strict laws for the day care centers to protect my child from being turned down because he has a disability.”

Dylan (16), Autism, Gibson County

“For the last several years I have been unable to keep a job because I have no one to care for him after school, holidays or summer break. My husband works full-time and as of now that is the only income we have to support a family of five. Without my income we have been faced with; utilities, gas, water and phone being cut off. ”

Nicholas (6), Autism, Maury County

“I wouldn't trade my little boy for anything!”

Leisa (51); Grace (17), Autism, Davidson County

“Tennessee, you see, is a Southern state governed by legislators who do have time to pass laws granting it legal to take home road kill but leave little for those of us struggling to provide for our children with disAbilities.”