My name is Donna Prezioso Lund. I am a self proclaimed small town girl! I married the guy I said I would in 6th grade and live within a 5 mile radius of where I grew up. included my maiden name for two reasons. First, my mother-in-law is a published author who is also named Donna Lund. Second, Prezioso represents the girl I was. The social butterfly who wanted no less than 5 kids. It represents the girl BEFORE autism hijacked her life. The girl who I don’t know anymore, but the girl who was raised to take on the challenges that have come to fruition during the second part of my life. My husband Don and I are the proud parents of 4 children: Nicole, Donny, Catie and Brian.  Both boys have ASD. Throughout my autism years (which spans close to 20 now) writing has been a source of therapy for me. I have kept many journals that I often revisit and wonder how I survived certain times and events. I truly hope the stories that I intend to share help young moms get through the tough years ahead. After all, like the song says…..I’m still standing! I went from 35 to 51 in a blink of an eye. I’m not even sure my 40s happened, as it is all such a blur. When I feel swallowed up by autism I bury myself in projects causing me to disconnect with the outside world. It helps to reset me. I’ve done my share of fundraising and awareness raising and have done my best for the greater good of autism but now it’s time to change it up and explore my love of writing. It says quite a lot that I would never choose to be a younger version of myself. Those years represent crisis after crisis so I’ve buried them in my heart. My journey certainly isn’t over. It won’t be over until I take my last breath but I’m closing a very lengthy chapter and starting a new one. I’m all about the underdog and spreading love and kindness to those with disabilities. My children inspired me to start my blog. Not by their verbal encouragement but by their actions. In the past several months, change has been the hallmark of our home. Each child gracefully and with lots of courage began their new chapters in life. So I guess now it’s my turn to step out of my comfort zone (whatever that is) and try something new. If my kids can I surely can too! Hence, my blog, welcome to Labeled to Lunderful! My objective is to share my experiences and perspectives with the “autism mom newcomers” and hope to make you feel a little less alone because you are not. You are special and don’t ever forget that. I hope you continue my journey with me.