To anyone who loves someone with Autism, I know it's hard. I understand the constant, unyielding, seemingly never-ending battle, because I've endured it.

When my brother was diagnosed with Autism, he wasn't given much of a chance. My parents were told that it was extremely unlikely that he would ever be able to live on his own or even be able to fully talk.

And for the first part of his life, it seemed as though the prognosis was accurate.

From his kicking and screaming-fueled rage whenever we would leave our grandparents' house, to my other brother and I being unable to understand what he was trying to tell us, I would be lying if I said this part of my family's life was easy.

I remember exhaustion consistently pervading through my parents' faces. It was a difficult time for everyone, especially them. However, they never gave up. They always believed in him.

I remember when it was difficult for my brother to make friends at such a young age, and my grandpa served as his best friend. They were inseparable, and it was clear that my grandfather would do anything for his best friend. He was lucky to have such loving person looking out for him, and we were all lucky to have such an incredible grandparents.

To anyone who loves someone with Autism, I know it's hard.

But I am here to tell you it gets better.

Not only has my brother defied his bleak outlook, but he has flourished as a brother, a student, a friend and a man. His love and passion know absolutely no bounds. There is no one more caring, loving, passionate and brave as my brother.

My brother is now 19 and serves as one of the equipment manager on his high school's football team. In his junior and senior years, he was able to fulfill every high school kid's desire and take a girl to his prom. He has a plethora of friends who all adore him to death.

Ryan, the same boy who was told he would never be able to talk, graduated from high school this past May.

To anyone who loves someone with Autism, be patient. Be kind. Be understanding. Be loving. Never give in. Never give up. Always believe your loved one can do the impossible.

Because one day, they'll become your inspiration, your role model and your hero like my brother is to me.