Guam - After seven years of marriage, Evelyn and Larry Claros were blessed with the birth of their first child. "It was probably about 15 months when Nicholas started to display unusual behavior," his father recalled.  Shortly after, Nicholas was diagnosed with autism.

"When I knew he was autistic, it really took a big toll on me. But after some reflection, maybe about a few hours, I went ahead and went home, picked up my child and I told him and the wife, we were moving forward in life and no need to dwell on it," Larry continued.

Evelyn added, "It was very difficult because the acceptance process was one thing and understanding the disability was another and the change it to try and also pass that on given that he's our first child, pass that on to the family members was a task and a hard acceptance on our part but how the family will receive our child."

Nicholas is now 13 years old and he's an 8th grader at Jose Rios Middle School.  Although he's requires a one-to-one school aide, Evelyn and Larry agree that he should be treated like every other student, including riding the same bus and everyone else. "Of course we were nervous and scared at first, we've learned to overcome these fears by having him actually going through the process," his mother said, with Larry adding, "So now he looks forward to riding the bus with his friends. Nicholas in his uniqueness also became somewhat a celebrity."

For parents who have an autistic child or want to learn more about the autism, you're invited to attend any of the Autism Community Together support group meetings. They're held very first Saturday of the month at 10 in the morning at the Parent Information Resource Center.

To learn more about autism or make a donation to the local organization Autism Community Together, KUAM is hosting the 2nd Annual Calvo's Insurance Trick or Treat 5k Family Run/Walk this Saturday.  Show time is 5am at Skinner Plaza.  Advanced registration is only $6 per person or $20 for a family of four.  Race day registration is $10 per person.

You can register at KUAM in Harmon, Hornet Sporting Goods, or Shell Gas Station in East Hagatna, Dededo and Mangilao locations or Calvo's Insurance in Dededo and Hagatna locations.