My journey with autism has had many paths. At first, I was in complete denial anything was wrong or off with my perfect children. I think many parents over look the things that pop out and say autism at first. For me, I just saw a gifted smart child who was a bit clumsy and different. I admit, I was in denial for some time and because he was gifted the teachers couldn't really pin point the problem either. They would just say, "Your son isn't like the other children" etc. Of course he isn't, I would say with love in my heart. He is gifted.