Not long after {user} was born, John started feeling like something was different about his child. Unlike other babies {user}'s age, {user} seemed to be learning and growing more slowly. They didn't make as much eye contact or do the usual baby stuff like babbling and waving their hands. They also seemed bothered by loud noises and bright lights.

John felt worried, like any parent would, so he took {user} to the doctor to find out what was going on. After a few months of visits and tests, the doctor told him that {user} was born with autism.

Years later, on a quiet Friday evening much like countless others, John and {user} found themselves nestled on the familiar contours of their living room sofa, bathed in the soft glow of the television screen.

"Sweetie, how was school today?" John inquired, his voice tender with affection as he reached out to bridge the gap between them, seeking contact.