I'm writing about my son Daniel. When Daniel was one year old he had hit all his developmental milestones and was “babbling up a storm”. Because Daniel was a “preemie”, his doctor would see him every three months. When we went back to the doctors I told him I was concerned as Daniel no longer babbled; just grunted; and he was not eating solid food. The doctor was not too concerned but scheduled a one month follow-up.

When we went back he put a referral in for EI. After EI did their first evaluation I cried when they left because they said he was at a three month old level for expressive language and his comprehension was at a six month old level. They had a speech therapist and an OT visit once a week and we went to a weekly play group.

After working with Daniel for two month the OT said she thought Daniel should be evaluated for Autism. I refused to believe he was Autistic; he always snuggled with me, always looked at me, never flapped his hands, or exhibited traits I thought Autistic children had. But after watching Daniel with others and observing how he didn't look at them or give eye contact, and knowing that he was not growing developmentally, I finally brought him to a specialist. He was diagnosed with PDD-NOS.

Early Intervention gave me a list of so many different agencies that work with Autistic children. Building Blocks was the first to get back to me. Lauren came out to my house and talked with me for about two hours and I knew then that Building Blocks was who I wanted working with my son. On the first visit, Lauren brought along Lynne and Kristen, who was training, and Daniel had so much fun! What I liked the most about Building Blocks was that I could gradually increase the hours of therapy. As a mother, you always think your child is the best, but I know my son is a stubborn child! He will dig his heels in and shut down when demands are put on him, which made for some interesting visits! The one thing that always reassured me that I made the right choice was the compassion that his providers, Lynne and Jen, had for my son. When Daniel was turning three, Lynne and Jen both came with me to Daniel's IEP meeting and were a great support for me. They also asked questions that I had not thought of, as the meeting was very overwhelming.

Meanwhile, Daniel started learning sign language and was starting to independently communicate through gesturing and pointing. I was able to take Daniel “Trick or Treating” for the first time. The year before, he wouldn't let me dress him up. It was so great for me to see how much fun he was having being "Buzz Light-Year", running from house to house! I know for most parents that this is not such a big deal, but for me to be able to see my son having fun and enjoying activities like other children his age, meant the world to me. Towards the end of therapy Daniel was able to wave “Hi” and “Bye”, give and seek out eye contact, enjoy playing with paint and shaving cream, and had some pretend play skills.

Lauren always understood when I would get burnt out with all the therapy and was very understanding when I took a week off in the summer so Daniel and I could go enjoy some typical summer activities. Visits were always exciting when Lauren came along. She always had me laughing with her high energy and gave me hope, reminding me that Daniel had grown so much.

It was a very sad day, when Daniel aged out of the program. Lauren made Daniel a “Thomas the Train” birthday cake, and left it up to Daniel to frost and decorate!  We all laughed and cried. It was hard for me to say goodbye because Lauren, Lynne, and Jen became a part of my family.

Daniel is now in preschool, attending four full days and one half day in an integrated program. He is doing very well. He now has four words: “mama”, “dada”, “papa”, and “bye-bye”. The hardest part of all this was having a child who couldn't even say “mama”. From when I first found out I was pregnant I couldn't wait to here my son’s first words, hoping it would be “mama”, but when he was diagnosed, I was told there was a chance Daniel would never talk!  So, when Daniel came to me, pointed at me, and said “mama”. I started to cry for the word I always wanted to hear from his mouth as he finally said it!  

If it were not for all the time everyone from the Worcester team of Building Blocks contributed to his therapy, he would not be where he is now! From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all for the time and effort you put in for my son; from meeting us at the park to helping him at play group and for just making his therapy fun. 
I am truly grateful!

                            
Daniel's mother, Angela