Encouraged. I have a very dear, close friend whose daughter has Tuberous Sclerosis Complex with Autism. She has the flat aspect, emotionless side of autism. Yesterday at bowling she announced to her mom that she wanted to sit with her friends, took her fried pickles and sat with a group of friends. Later last night she told her mom that she wished she had another adult to talk to, besides her mom. And she got furious when she wasn't bowling well enough. Stamping her feet, throwing her arms around, etc. Awesome.
Baby steps, but we both smiled.