Well like most stories it seems, the doctor didn't want to admit that there was anything wrong with my baby boy. Louie was my second child, he has a sister who is not Autistic. The doctor gave me oh he'll grow out of it, he'll come around, and so on and so forth. Well, I don't know but something deep inside of me said NO! This is not normal, something is not right with my child. He doesn't speak, he doesn't eat solid food, he doesn't acknowledge me or his dad. Sure at first I thought, Oh maybe he's deaf. He would hit his ears and bang his head against the high chair. So I brought that up to the doctor, and much to his disagreement he gave in and referred us to a children's hearing test facility, just to satisfy me. This was age 15 months. Thank goodness that was negative, but they did refer me to the children's network for further testing for Autism. I too was looking online about info on Autism, that was suggested by a friend of mine, that maybe that's what he had. I had never heard of it until then. Well, when I tell you I was so upset and angry (toward that Doctor, who btw isn't there any longer) making me feel so paranoid, but I DID have every right to. Thank God for the Children's Network, they directed me toward many therapists, for Louie-age 2. It was a long road, and at times, I thought hopeless, I thought he would never learn to be normal, but he amazed us all. He's an amazing, wonderful child and out of the blue he would conquer a hurdle, here and there, like eating solid food, or touching a certain object, etc... My son is now 13 yrs old and is fully mainstreamed, great in school and is a loving son, yes he still has his moments, but you would never know it looking at him. My message is keep the faith and patience, lots of patience! Just LOVE them and be there for them.

Teresa Welch
Cape Coral, FL