My name is Ken Hauk and my son, Nicholas, has autism. Autism neurodevelopment disorder impairs the ability to communicate and interact. It causes difficulties with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and triggers repetitive behaviors. Treatment can help, but as of today, it can't be cured. Nicholas has Aspergers, which is believed to be on the high-functioning end of the autism spectrum.

Autism frustrates me sometimes, but Nicholas does not. I adore and love my son’s special ways. I'm very patient with him. He's handsome and charming. He loves trains and dinosaurs, and is an amazing train track builder. There's so much that he understands about the world we live in, but sometimes he has a hard time communicating well and conversing. He sometimes loses his train of thought and is easily distracted, but I patiently wait on him to process and respond.

Nicholas does not often show empathy or sympathy, but when my brother Mike died he was very worried about me. He recognized that I was sad and asked me about him more than once. He told me, “He's okay, Daddy.”

He has some wonderful teachers and dear friends at school who know and understand him, and help him feel comfortable around everyone else. He's come a long way with some great help and I thank God for that. He's smart, talented and can often be very funny. Every day I thank God for my son, who's brought so much joy and happiness to my life. I love him dearly!!!‬‬