Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art. My name is Rachel and I am Isaiah's mom. Isaiah was medically diagnosed with PDD-NOS(Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified), in other words, an autism spectrum disorder. Isaiah was 18 months of age when I noticed something was changing in him. He started hiding in small spaces, spinning in circles, lining up his blocks, screaming for no reason and banging his head against walls amongst other behaviors I could not explain. I would call his name and try to get his attention and it was as if he was looking right through me into nothing, as if he had shut down mentally, emotionally and verbally. We had his hearing checked which then followed with him having tubes placed in both his ears. This definitely helped Isaiah. He noticed the birds in the air and the music when it played, but he still did not acknowledge my existence.

Birth to 3 came into our home when referred by his pediatrician when Isaiah was almost 2. Isaiah went through Speech and Occupational Therapy every week. I did not hesitate asking their professional opinion and was told they could not diagnose Isaiah, however if I wanted him to see a specialist they would provide the information. The waiting list was 6 months out and at the age of 2 and a half Isaiah was officially diagnosed with PDD-NOS, ASD at the Waisman Center in Madison Wisconsin. Isaiah turned 3 and transitioned from the Birth to 3 program to the Fox Valley Autism Program, an in home intensive therapy program with therapists coming directly into your home, 4 hours a day, 5 days a week. They designed plans around Isaiah specifically. Isaiah continued with the program until September 2013, when he graduated the program.

Isaiah is now 7 and a tower of information, love, respect, kindness, humor and creativity. Without the help and support of his therapists, doctors, teachers, family and family friends, Isaiah would not be where he is today and I do not look back and think "what if" because as a parent I had one choice and I chose to be Isaiah's voice when he did not have one. As parents we are advocates for our children and it is our responsibility that under any circumstance we provide them with the tools to create their best possible future. Stepping aside as a parent and realizing I could not do this on my own was very difficult. That lasted one second. Isaiah's lifetime has been given to him in the gift of all these people that helped raise him these last 5 years. "It takes a village" is one of my favorite quotes because it most certainly did with Isaiah and it was worth every moment. Thank you to Isaiah's village!

My hope through this awesome kickball event is to not only create awareness for autism and a safe fun place for Isaiah to meet many new friends, but to also reach out to parents out there who are struggling with a diagnosis of an autistic child or are struggling to get their child tested because the reality of that possibility is their biggest fear. Let us be your village. Thank you to Autism Speaks (www.autismspeaks.org) for the above information on all the technical explanations of the disorder.