this is nickolas kubicsko. his journey to get to this day was long because he has autism, a brain development disorder that can impair communication and social interaction. his mom lenore kubicsko is unspeakably proud. >> you go boy, you go! >> reporter: at a private school 60 miles away in new york city, eric sadowsky, another young man with autism, is also graduating sharing goodbye hugs and well-wishes with friends and teachers. >> see you later man! >> reporter: his mother mary clancy is feeling emotional about her son's last day. >> i was just hoping i would not start crying in the classroom. >> reporter: graduation is when parents launch their children into the world eager to see what lies ahead. but for the families you'll 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: that's because when eric and nick leave school they will lose the spec