Son reflects with his mother about growing up with autism

Jhovana Figueroa was diagnosed with autism when he was a toddler. For StoryCorps, Figueroa and his mom talk about his childhood and their hopes for the future. (SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC) MICHEL MARTIN, HOST: It's Friday, which means it's time for StoryCorps. Jhovana Figueroa was raising her son on her own in Queens, New York. At 3 years old, Anthony wasn't speaking and was diagnosed with autism. Ten years later, Jhovana brought Anthony to StoryCorps. JHOVANA FIGUEROA: Anthony, what are you hope for the future? ANTHONY FIGUEROA: Well, when I was a kid, I wanted to become an astronaut, but now I don't really think so. Astronomy is still pretty cool, but I feel like you are more likely to make it in the NBA than become an astronaut. FIGUEROA: What I think is whatever you want in your life, you can do it. Do you have a question for me? ANTHONY: In a movie of your life, what are some scenes you'll never forget? FIGUEROA: I remember you were not talking. You were not socializing. So it was hard for me to go outside and see other moms talking with the kids, and I was just talking by myself. Then at 7, you were in the bath, and I was playing with you with bubbles. When I went and I was looking for the towel, you called me - mommy. And that was the first time that you talk and the first time that you called me mommy. So I start shaking, and the only thing that I remember saying was, (crying) I'm coming, baby. I'm coming. You remember that? ANTHONY: No, but it's beautiful. …