So, do you know someone who has autism or someone with a family member who has autism? Sadly, most of us do these days. But it doesn't have to be sad. Being diagnosed with autism at the age of 2 and going from an out of control wild animal to becoming a proud Concordia College graduate, no one should ever give up hope on making their dreams come true.

Part of what inspired me to never give up was when I was young whipper snapper because I was fortunate enough to be able to join several kids travel clubs and summer recreation classes. These exposed me to many different groups of kids and many different activities. Football, baseball, soccer, arts and crafts, horseback riding, water camps, and so forth helped me feel valued and included. Parents and peers struggling with someone who has autism/Asperger's syndrome, I would highly recommend that you get them involved in as many different activities and groups as you can in hopes of finding that one thing they have a true passion for. When they find it, support it with everything you can.

Myself, having autism, I was an aggressive, out of control, and often violent child. I eventually found a true passion, which was wrestling. It brought me a group of friends with the same interests, a new found confidence, a healthier lifestyle, and the ability to control my aggressive and violent tendencies, using those towards something constructive. If wrestling is not in the cards for your child, I would suggest something like a karate class because it teaches self-control, patience, discipline, and the ability to defend and protect themselves if pushed to that point. Most kids I've known with autism really enjoy music. It's soothing and it gives them focus. Go to your local music store and let them try out different interests until they find something they love.

The bottom line of all of this is that you cannot give up on these kids. There is always hope for all of them to be something special, and to live a successful, happy, valued, and independent life. I know this because I now can. Up until my sophomore year in high school, it seemed hopeless for me. Then, something just connected and people started including me in more activities, conversations, and social gatherings. It was an important component for me to gain the self-esteem that I needed to try to achieve even greater things. Parents, peers, and friends, I encourage you to reach out to those in need. The worse part is being lonely, and even a simple hello, offering to sit with someone at meals, an invite to a birthday party, or even a school club meeting can mean so much to them.

Personally, I have a passion to one day, have my own website and blog for people to reach out to me with any questions or problems that I may be able to help them through as they deal with autism. Until then, feel free to reach out to me on my site through Odyssey and I'll do whatever I can to help make your life a little less complicated and more enjoyable.

There is always hope and fortunately, I'm living proof. Fire up your passion, burn out the doubt, and ignite your story.