Johnathan started school through early intervention when he was 3 yrs old. He could not talk would use garbled yelling, he hid under the table and would hit kick scream at anyone who would look at him he also wore diapers. The school told me he was the most severe case they had seen. By the time he was ready to start elementary school he was starting to use full sentences and was coming out of his own lil world. He won the most improved student in the school district award and was proud of himself.. He tries to make it a point to make eye contact when he speaks to people and no longer hits himself in the head when he is frustrated. He had a bad meltdown 2 yrs ago on christmas day screaming he hated himself and wished he had a different brain all I could do was hold him and tell him I wish I could swap mine for yours. He cried I couldn't do that to you mom it sucks and you are the best mom in the world, all I could do was cry with him. When the school shooting happened in 2012 and he found out the boy had autism he flipped out yelling that's just great now people are going to think I will do that its hard enough dealing with autism. He is now 7yrs old and in second grade he is top of his class in math and is presently working on making new friends. He recently told me he wants to start being active in autism walks and participate in the special olympics. Johnathan has had a few regressions but he is determined to be the best he can be and that's what makes him my ULTIMATE HERO!!!!

Kylie
toledo, OH