December, 1996, a week before my Dre's second birthday, I felt like he was given a life sentence by his neurologist. "He'll never live alone, he'll never form any significant relationships, he will always live with you or in a group home..." etc. I came home, told my mother, "He has autism," and locked myself in my bedroom for a week.
Drew was diagnosed as moderate to severe 16 years ago. He was the "classic" self-injurious, aggressive, non-verbal until 4.5 years of age and severely disabled from a social standpoint. "You have a violent child," I was told by numerous strangers.
After the fog lifted, I threw myself into research and knew early intervention was key. He began ECSE right away, entered a CIP (Communication Intervention Program) from K-8, was enrolled in the YMCA SACC and was expected to behave - having autism was NEVER used as an excuse for behavior affecting others. My favorite form of therapy, though, was the Give a Hundred-Hugs-a-Day (whether he wanted them or not).
Fast forward after years and years of long, hard work by an entire village of professionals, a loving PCA and me, and Drew became a beloved, respected individual at his school. He managed varsity football, basketball and baseball during his time at Eastview High School in Apple Valley, MN. He was darn good at his role. He graduated from Eastivew in June and will be attending Mankato State University in the fall majoring in Sports Management! How is he doing socially you ask? He went to prom, has a ton of followers on Twitter, and had about 200 people attend his graduation party - most of them kids!
When asked why his progressed to the point he did, my answer is that it takes a village - TRULY. And, it takes a very special, driven, nothing-will-get-in-my-way attitude young man. A young man that, when he has a goal, he attains it through hard work and character. I love my son to the ends of the earth and am so very proud of him. Here's to DREW!!!
Apple Valley, MN
