Lucas was born in 2006. He was a horrific sleeper as a baby, and I didn't think much of it. I figured he was just a fussy baby. He was developing perfectly normal until he had non-stop ear infections from 18 months until 3. His hearing during that period was like someone listening through a door or a wall. When he had the tubes put in his ears and still didn't develop much speech he was officially diagnosed Autistic. We were big on the early intervention. He is 5 1/2 now and is in his third year of special ed pre-k. He is in speech and occupational therapy and is progressing well. Lucas is one of the most affectionate little boys, and you can always count on him for a hug. He is very intellignent and loves music. The one thing I can say as a mom of a child with Autism, you are your child's biggest advocate. When he was diagnosed and they were trying to base it solely on his lack of eye contact I was in that therapists face. You have to be the one to speak up for them until they can do it themselves. I am in constant contact with Lucas' teacher, and I was invited by her last year to go to an early education conference for special needs kids. It amazing to try and see things through my son's eyes. He inspires me every daay to slow down and enjoy the little things.

Bobbi
Anacortes, WA