SOMETIMES LIFE CAN GET THE BEST OF A PERSON - - BUT FOR KIMBERLY RICKMAN THAT WAS NEVER AN OPTION.

KIMBERLY'S SON STEVEN HAS AUTISM AND SINCE HIS DIAGNOSES - - SHE HAS TAKEN IT UPON HERSELF TO MAKE SURE SHE IS ALWAYS ABLE TO HELP HIM

KIMBERLY IS IN THE PROCESS OF PUBLISHING A CHILDREN'S BOOK SHE WROTE TO HELP STEVEN LEARN MANNERS.

THIS IS ONE OF THE EXERCISES KIMBERLY HAD STEVEN TO DO TO HELP HIM WITH HIS EVERYDAY ROUTINE. SHE SAYS THAT THE PUPPETS SHE USES IN HER BOOK HAVE ALSO PLAYED A HUGE ROLE IS HIS SUCCESS.

WHEN KIMBERLY IS NOT HELPING STEVEN SHE IS HELPING OTHER PARENTS AND CHILDREN AFFECTED BY AUTISM. SHE HAS DONE PRESENTATIONS ON AUTISM AT THE LOCAL AND STATE LEVELS.

SHE FOUND THE SUPPORT GROUP REACH IN FEBRUARY 2005. REACH STANDS FOR RECEIVING ENCOURAGEMENT AUTISM CIRCLE OF HELP.

KIMBERLY RICKMAN HAS DEDICATED HERSELF TO HELPING THOSE AFFECTED BY AUTISM THROUGH EDUCATION - AND THAT IS WHY SHE IS OUR HOMETOWN HERO OF THE WEEK. FROM VICTORIA, LACEY HARRIS, NEWSCENTER 25.