Dear Autti, I have a WONDERFUL 17 year old son who is on the spectrum.  He is high functioning.  he will be graduating H.S. on June 29th.  he will be starting college in the fall.  Nobody in the auditorium will stand taller or cry harder that day than I will.  It has been a long road, but Thomas and I have achieved it.  He is an extraordinary young man who has struggled, but he excels at bio and French.  BE PROUD OF WHO AND WHAT YOU ARE.  When we unlock the cause of autism, I don't think every parent will race in for the cure.  i wouldn't change my son for anything.  I adore him and he is not into drugs, alcohol, sex, etc.  So, hold your head up high and be proud of you.  Bobbie