Mom strives to help others with special-needs kids

Son diagnosed with autism 3 years ago

James Rountree, front and center, diagnosed in 2011 with Autism Spectrum Disorder, had the opportunity to meet Paula Deen last fall to thank her for sending the profits of his mom's homemade pralines to the Autism Foundation of Georgia. Others photographed are, from left, Michael Deen, Joel Rountree, Paula Deen, Jamie Deen, Azure Rountree, Bobby Deen and Bubba Deen. - photo by Special

Autism Awareness picture — James Rountree, front and center, diagnosed in 2011 with Autism Spectrum Disorder, had the opportunity to meet Paula Deen last fall to thank her for sending the profits of his mom's homemade pralines to the Autism Foundation of Georgia. Others photographed are, from left, Michael Deen, Joel Rountree, Paula Deen, Jamie Deen, Azure Rountree, Bobby Deen and Bubba Deen. - photo by Special

When her second child, James, was born, Azure Rountree knew something was different. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but James' actions and responses in those early months and first couple of years didn't coincide with her firstborn's early days. Questions, research and appointments with professionals eventually led Rountree and her husband, Joel, to a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder for James in April 2011.

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