"Put your son in an institution and move on with your life." At the age of six, Joe was diagnosed with autism in 1972 and little was known about this disability. Joe's neurologist advised Carol Basile to institutionalize her only son. She refused. With only a mother's fierce love, she began a journey to help her son surpass his limited expectations and lead a meaningful life. Against All Odds is a story of an autistic child who, with courage and determination, struggles through life stages, achieving goals. It is a story of taking opportunities and never giving up. It is a story of the lessons learned to help every parent of an autistic child to see the possibilities instead of the challenges. Joe went on to build relationships in the community, achieve a Master's Degree, and hold a regular job. His success doesn't have to be the exception. Your child can be more than their diagnosis too. This heartfelt book is a powerful and practical guide for parents and educators of autistic children. It is filled with resources and first-hand experiences to equip you with the skills you need to help your child flourish in today's world.