Our Little Miracle

Jul 1998: We started to worry about Robert when he reached 24 months of age. We noticed he wasn't progressing normally anymore. We would call him and he would ignore. He was not playing like other kids his age. His speech was very minimal. We thought he had a hearing problem. His hearing test results were normal. We then thought the worst. We began to see commercials and TV shows about autism. Robert's behavior seemed to fit this disease. At 30 months, Jan. 1999 he was diagnosed as being autistic and the physician recommended a harness and medication, but we declined.

Feb 1999: Prior to Early Intervention, Robert is not speaking, very little eye contact, rocking back and forth, not interacting with his brother or sister very much, not playing with many toys, mostly watches his favorite TV shows. Robert began Early Intervention on 03/24/1999. 

June 1999: Currently, Robert is in his 8th week of Behavioral Therapy (Discrete Trial), 36 hours a week. He says da-da and pop-pop only. He uses bodily gestures to communicate. He is playing more independently with toys and interacting a little more with siblings. He is very unaware of surrounding when he is outside and runs out of control. We are very pleased with the positive changes we have seen in Robert since Behavioral Therapy. Eye contact has improved, play and imitation skills have increased. It seems everything that Robert is taught or observes is being stored in his sweet mind, that now sleeps but is gradually awakening. Between structure and education of therapists, love and attention from parents and family and faith in God, Robert can only be on a successful pathway.

November 1999: Robert is making very good progress on discrete trial therapy. He masters new items quickly and loves to receive big reinforcements! Robert imitates very well and he plays with his toys appropriately. His eye contact continues to increase everyday. His expressive language is increasing also; on, off, all done, I did it. He responds to receptive commands; turn on/off lights, come here, etc. Robert has begun to use sign language to communicate wants and needs. He signs thank you and more. Robert seeks help as he needs it by bringing the item to you or taking you to the item. He gets excited while playing and occasionally gets upset if he has to stop; not that unusual since most children love to keep playing. Robert is affectionate with family and therapists. He has also began to acknowledge people leaving his house ad waives goodbye. Robert enjoys a wide variety of activities; videos, books puzzles, riding his bike and jumping on the couch. He is affectionately known as Evil Knevil; he will try any stunt once.

April 2000: Robert has certainly come a long way since March 1999. He now has a full Discrete Trial Instruction program and continues to master his drills quickly. He is utilizing a picture exchange communication board to request food and activities. Robert not only gives the desired card but occasionally says what that card is. He is much more expressive with a list of 26 words. He also imitates animal sounds when asked to. Robert began to attend an early intervention class where he will socialize with peers. He is a busy boy but still has time and energy for his brother and sister and his favorite toys!

July 2000: Robert has lost most of his words he once mastered. We took him for an overnight EEG to check for seizure activity, which sometimes develops with autistic children. The results were negative. Although, the language set back, Robert is showing increasing signs of more understanding and awareness. He understands when we ask him to do little chores, such as, throwing papers in the garbage or getting his shoes.

February 2001: It has been 7 months since the last update and the changes in Robert are amazing! He continues Discrete Trial therapy at home and in school. He masters quickly and retains the information of previously master items. Robert has just begun Fluency/Precision Teaching and seems to enjoy the fast paced work. He enjoys video games; which he taught himself how to play, video tapes, coloring and playing with his brother and sister. Robert is communicating well now. He seeks people to help him obtain what he needs or just gets it himself. He does repeat words when given something, for example ice tea and hot dog. Robert loves to play hide and seek and also initiates play with those around him. He is doing very well with all that is presented to him.

November 2001: Robert has continued to make great successes in programs that he is involved in. Currently, Robert is working on both Fluency Trials and DTI at home and is doing well. Once he figures out a drill he quickly masters it. His attention to tasks increases as he becomes more involved, especially with Super Mario, riding his bike and art activities. Robert is quite interested in what others are doing lately; especially his peers and imitates their behaviors. His language skills have increased so much. Robert can state his name when asked and is proud of himself! He is still involved in OT twice a week and Early Intervention every day.

July 2002: Robert is making great strides in all areas of his program. Most importantly, his expressive language skills are constant. Robert can independently make requests for his wants and needs. He will use receptive skills only when needed. His attention to tasks has increased greatly. Robert will complete all tasks presented to him and he is motivated by preferred reinforces. Robert's social skills are also increasing. He presently is attending an autistic summer program three days a week. He show great concern for peers who are absent and those who are upset. Sharing and turn taking are being worked on everyday. At home, Robert plays imaginatively by himself though he also plays well with his siblings and neighborhood friends. Robert has a fascination with money and enjoys collecting from everyone around him. In the past few months Robert has grown so much. His goals are always increasing and updating to his program is often. Robert is one boy who is up to any challenge presented to him.

September 2003: Robert's therapists have decided that he is ready to be main streamed into a regular classroom. Robert will be entering St. Mary's Assumption School, Kindergarten program with his TSS. 

May 2004: Robert graduates from Kindergarten at St. Mary's Assumption School with honors.

July 2005: Robert turns 9 years old. This year he will enter 2nd grade at SMA.  He will also receive First Holy Communion. 

July 2006: Robert turns 10 years old and continues to amaze us with his progress. He has completed 2nd grade at SMA and did it with honors.

January 2008: Robert continues to progress. He is currently in 4th grade and earning very good grades.

October 2008: Robert progressed through 4th grade and has entered 5th grade. He continues to be accompanied with a TSS in a main-streamed classroom environment. The class work is getting difficult but Robert is moving forward with good grades.