My son, Seth, is almost 16. He was born with classic autism and mental retardation. His mind is that of a 3- or 4-year-old. He cannot talk at all, and he can never be left unattended. So why in the world would I say “thank God for Autism?”

Seth has taught me the meaning of unconditional love and brought a closeness to our family that could not have been but through trials. When he was 3, his natural father and I divorced. Were it not for autism, he may have fought for custody.