Forty years ago, Richard Chestor was the first child diagnosed with autism in Colorado. That happened only after his mother fought for nine years with doctors who told her she was doing something to cause his erratic uncontrollable behavior. His mother, G [Getty Images]

Forty years ago, Richard Chestor was the first child diagnosed with autism in Colorado. That happened only after his mother fought for nine years with doctors who told her she was doing something to cause his erratic uncontrollable behavior. His mother, Geri, had to fight for Richard at every stage of his life - to get him a diagnosis, get him treatment, get him an education. She helped write some of the nation's first inclusion laws Now, she's fighting to make sure adults like her son will be cared for after their parents are gone. As part of his therapy, Richard spends time at Medicine Horse in Boulder working with horses. On top of his favorite horse "Slick" Equine-Assisted Psychotherapist Calyn Acebes guides Richard through some balancing and confidence exercises. Kathryn Scott Osler, The Denver Post (Photo By Kathryn Scott Osler/The Denver Post via Getty Images) — see more

Forty years ago, Richard Chestor was the first child diagnosed with autism in Colorado. That happened only after his mother fought for nine years with doctors who told her she was doing something to cause his erratic uncontrollable behavior. His mother, Geri, had to fight for Richard at every stage of his life - to get him a diagnosis, get him treatment, get him an education. She helped write some of the nation's first inclusion laws Now, she's fighting to make sure adults like her son will be cared for after their parents are gone. As part of his therapy, Richard spends time at Medicine Horse in Boulder working with horses. On top of his favorite horse "Slick" Equine-Assisted Psychotherapist Calyn Acebes guides Richard through some balancing and confidence exercises. Kathryn Scott Osler, The Denver Post (Photo By Kathryn Scott Osler/The Denver Post via Getty Images)