lifelong

She says what she thought would be her dream job ended up leaving her with lifelong trauma.

"Many families tell us that they are deeply concerned about the lack of provision for their children post-18, whether that is in relation to lifelong learning, mental health, employment, or supported living," she said.

Alawieh, a lifelong Democrat and onetime chief of staff for Rep. Cori Bush, has spent years mobilizing Democratic voters in Dearborn.

She called this election “heartbreaking,” a painful choice for a lifelong Democrat deeply connected to the party, introduced to it by her father, a staunch United Auto Workers member.

"Autism was seen for many years as a childhood condition but it's a lifelong condition and as people get older they remain autistic," said Andrew.