Inspired by her son, Kristi is now in her first year of teaching special education for grades 1–3 while pursuing her master’s degree at Cal State San Bernardino. “I went back to school to better understand Paul because I needed to be his advocate and it led me here,” she says.

The family, including Paul’s 8-year-old sister, Elliana—oldest sister, Alyssa, 20, is away at college, also studying to be a teacher—participated in the Every1 With Autism Belongs campaign to raise awareness about autism spectrum disorder.

“There are so many levels of autism,” Kristi says. “People often think of someone who is quirky or different but there is profound autism, too. It doesn’t have to be scary. Paul will need care for the rest of his life. I cried the day he was diagnosed. But being around him is a beautiful thing. He brings joy and light everywhere he goes. He’s the only person I know who wakes up smiling and happy to be alive every single day.”