Mac is truly a special 5 year old boy! His big, beautiful eyes and dimpled smile will instantly steal your heart! Mac was diagnosed with autism in July 2001- shortly after his 2nd birthday. We were fortunate, at that very critical time, to have learned about SCEAP, Inc. and the services that they could provide. We began an ABA therapy program in our home about a month later under SCEAP, Inc.’s direction and consultation. Not only has the program proven to be excellent, but the most appropriate to meet Mac’s needs.

Mac started the ABA therapy program with virtually no language, poor eye contact and little attention span. Most of the time he appeared as deaf- not responding to simple commands such as “get your cup”, or “give Mama the ball”. Constantly he seemed frustrated and terribly impatient. He would pull us around the house trying to get us to understand what he wanted, but we just couldn’t seem to figure out what he was trying to tell us. He would tantrum at the least little thing, hit himself, pull at his hair and face, and try to destroy a room. He strongly resisted change in surroundings and routine. It was never an enjoyable experience to take him places like the mall, grocery store, or church. Eventually we never wanted to leave the house with him.

Oral and tactile defensive issues were another problem we dealt with concerning Mac. Dressing, haircuts, and brushing teeth were some of the difficulties we faced. He was overly sensitive to certain sounds as well, and would cry uncontrollably not just at loud noises, but hearing a balloon being blown up, or and automatic car window going up and down. Birthday parties and carnivals were no fun – large crowds and singing would spark a tantrum and we would have to leave almost as soon as we arrived.

We were quickly encouraged with Mac’s progress as early as 2 weeks into the ABA therapy program. We started him with sign language, but his language skills began to develop so quickly that we were able to drop the signing. We video-tape therapy sessions monthly and it is still amazing to look back and see Mac’s progress. I recall how excited I was one day when we were outside and he looked up in the sky and saw a airplane and pointed to it and said “look!” It was the first time I ever noticed him trying to show me something. The week of 9-11 Mac learned how to give a hug. His grandparents had been trying to get home from an Alaskan vacation and what an exciting and emotional experience it was for them to return and receive their first real hug from Mac! That was pretty special coming from a child who would pull away whenever you wanted to cuddle.

Although Mac still has a way to go, the gains he’s made have been tremendous. Today Mac talks in complete sentences and his conversation can be understood by anyone. He no longer gets frustrated because he can get his point across now! He seems so happy and loves being around others- especially groups of kids. We’re so excited he was able to enter regular Kindergarten this year with a shadow aid. He is adapting well in the classroom environment and we know that the in-home program accelerated this transition to school . He really enjoys school. He actually asks to go! Mac has worked very hard to enter school with many mastered Kindergarten skills so that he could mainly concentrate on language and socialization while in the classroom.

He transitions well between activities, knows many songs, and is progressing in retelling familiar stories. He has wonderful computer skills and enjoys pretend play. We love being able to talk to him on the phone now! For a long time he showed no interest in it because he didn’t understand what it was for. All the hard work in therapy has definitely paid off, and we are enjoying Mac the most we ever have. We look forward to taking him out to eat and going places with him. Mac’s favorite place to go is Chuck E Cheese! He also has a great sense of humor and he makes us laugh a lot!

We know that the key to Mac’s success was intense early intervention by a phenomenal consultant and a team of outstanding therapists. Ann Eldridge was constantly involved in Mac’s program and has been right there when needed to help meet Mac’s needs. We have truly been blessed with Mac’s progress and will forever be grateful to SCEAP, Inc. for their help to us. The road ahead of us seemed so long 3 years ago, but the time has passed quickly and every minute of hard work has been worth it. SCEAP, Inc. has the kids to prove that there can be recovery from autism and we know that the same hopes and dreams we have for Mac are the same ones they have for him. Thank you everyone at SCEAP, Inc. for making a difference in Mac’s life!