My son was diagnosed at 18 months by a child development teacher; she wasn't an MD so she referred us to The Millers Children's Hospital in Long Beach; coincidentally our nurse practitioner did the same. Raymond was dx. on 9-28-95; it was our 4 year wedding anniversary. He was our first born son; my daughter was 14 at the tim; she was 5 when I met her father. I was six months pregnant with my 2nd son although I didn't know the sex of my baby until he was born. I was told if he was a boy he'd have a 1 in 4 chance of being autistic. God took from me any fear I had regarding my newborn. He does not have autism. I read a book called "Let me hear your voice." I used that as my bible for Raymond. I fought long and hard to get him services because the treatment (Discreet trial training, ABA) was 'contreversial.' The Regional center was very hard pressed to acknowledge and PAY FOR such treatment. Needless to say we won our struggle and Raymond began services. I also bombarded him with stimulation and consequences. It was a very hard struggle; but I began to see my little boy emerge. He often called me Michelle instead of Mommy, thought in black and white, etc. He was VERY aggressive to the point that he was a danger to other children and would often bite me .. not out of frustration mostly, but out of excitedness. I continued to educate myself and hired a lawyer and 2 advoctates. I've written our state against the district for being out of compliance with the IEP regs., I've been to mediation twice, never to due process; the school seemed to settle with us. Honestly I don't know why the school gives us Mom's a hard time, I would have to suspect it's financial; I couldn't imagine anybody being that horrible. There were times I know his teachers a long the way wanted to help but their hands were tied, their allegiance was to the school and I'd assume it's because they felt their job would be threatened. I never took the 'fight' personally; I wouldn't get baited into thier trap, we pressed on and won many services for Raymond. He began to talk really good at age 5; potty trained at 4.5. 2 Days before Christmas in 1997 we had our final child, a girl. When Raymond came to see her in the hospital he held her and sang the Barney song .. front to finish. I was in tears. I never knew he paid attention to "Barney." His younger brother would watch it. He bonded with his little sister and really started to exhibit signs of 'caring.' He'd bring her a bottle if she cried or her little doll; I tell ya .. I was so proud of him. When he began to grow older I was extremely concerned about his social behavior. Academics were important enough but I had to make sure he was accepted socially. Kids can be so mean. So I enrolled him in Sports. He was so aggressive and combative (Soccer); the commissioner came to talk to us; I explained Raymond's plight and MANY parents were supportive and would often yell from the side lines to Raymind "Keep your hands down." He could understand those commands. To say he thrived is an understatement. With rigid boundaries, consequences, and a LOT of love .. Raymond's a very well rounded, teenager. He has loved sports his whole life. He knows them like the back of his hand; especially the NFL and NBA. He loves sports so much; he watched girls softball in the off season. haha. He wants to be a first string lineman for his High School next year. This is my prayer for him. It's simple. "God, give him the strength; he can do the rest." He trains all year long with a trainer; he's able to do thing physically I never thought he could. I didn't put limits on my son but his autism has left his neurological balance somewhat off. He is as strong as an ox. I am very proud of my son. He never forgets to tell his mama .. "I love you mom."

Music to my ears? More like a symphony.

PS I've found that it is a lot of hard work but it pays off in the end. I couldn't sit and watch my son be engulfed by his autism. In kindegarten I mainstreamed him with an Aid because I didn't want him in special Ed. mimmicking the other kids. He needed to be around his peers.

This is my story. Thanks for reading!