....continued again

So we started with the Up To Three program. Every week a therapist would come to our home and work not only with Carter, but with us as well. We learned how to interact with him in a way that encourages him to use words. I learned to wait for him to ask me for things, even if his body language was clear and I knew what he wanted. We took Carter to the university once a week. Therapists worked with him while I attended class and learned more about autism and communication techniques. We all progressed quickly. At the end of six months, Carter had over 100 words. He smiled. He laughed. He gave kisses! His fine motor skills were improving. I discovered a few things he loves: swings, playgrounds, being outside, certain movies and music, wheels, crackers, cookies and chocolate milk. When Carter turned three, he started special education preschool with the school district. His progress slowed. Stopped in some things. When we had our third child, he regressed. We needed something different. That brings us up to now. We've been on a waiting list for a program at the university that is specifically for autistic kids. It's called Assert, and it's run by Dr. Higbee and his doctorate students. Carter started today. Four hours of one-on-one instruction, and then they bus him to his regular preschool for another three hours. A long day, but it should yield phenomenal results. We have a long way to go. I don't know if Carter will ever be able to live on his own, have a romantic relationship, go on a mission, or attend college. But here's hoping! There's a lot written behind those blue eyes that we can't see. He'll learn to tell us sometime. We'll be waiting!