this is nicholas kabiskow, his journey to this day was long. nick has autism. a brain development disorder that impairs communication and social interaction. proud. at a private school, 60 miles away in new york city, eric sidowski, a man with autism is graduating sharing good-bye hugs and well-wishes with friend and teachers. his mother, mary clancy, is feeling emotional about her >> i was just hoping i would not start crying in the classroom. parents launch their children into the world, eager to see what lies ahead. but for the families you will meet tonight, the joy they feel in this moment masks the terror and dread lurking just below the surface. >> i wake up every morning drenched in sweat and worried about what am i going to do about eric? >> reporter: when eric and nick leave school, they will lose the specialized help and structure they have had for most of their lives. and there is no equivalent state or federal support required to take over. parents of children with autism compare it to falling off a cliff. >> happy graduation, everything that we wo