So what are we doing now.

Luke became eligible for the state preschool program for special needs children. So, we started them there 2 days a week starting in mid-April. He receives speech therapy there. He was eligible for 4 days a week, but being that the school year was ending at the end of May, we needed to maintain his enrollment at his other preschool for the summer time. So, he still attends his regular preschool 3 days a week.

We were unsure how Luke would do at the state program, so this was our "test run" and we plan on re-evaluating at the beggining of the next school year.

We also have Luke seeing a private speech therapist once a week. And we plan on starting Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy this June. This is the only effective behavior therapy for autistic children. And by the way, insurance will not cover any of this, and we will be paying out of pocket for every penny. Please be praying and encouraging law makers to make it mandatory to cover this.

Reading the two month old evaluation of Luke by the developmental pediatrician, I sit in awe of how outdated it already is in regards to Luke's abilities. He has blossomed so much since then, even his teachers are amazed at his progress. The ABA therapist who evaluated him last week, commented to us that he is the most verbal and skilled child she has ever seen with an autism diagnosis. She definitely termed him as high functioning or even borderline.

What great news in such a small amount of time!

Things we are working on now are getting Luke to answer "yes/no" questions with the word Yes. He knows the word No, all to well, as many parents of "typical" children have probably experienced as well.

We are working on getting Luke to respond to the questions, "what is your name" and "how old are you." And telling us "I love you." These are things most parents often take for granted.

Last night Luke was so sweet. I was laying in bed with him and he just started to talk about his day. I didn't ask him or prompt him in anyway. He said, "Saw papa today, saw tutu today(his aunt), saw grandma today, saw Kristin today (his state preschool teacher)." I then asked him if he had a milk shake today, and he said, "with a straw, in the chair." What else did you do I asked, and he said "rode in car today."

I about cried, it was so sweet. For those with typical children, appreciate every conversation you have with your children.

Now, I must not forget my sweet Abigail. What a trooper, Luke's younger sister has been. She just had a birthday last weekend and she turned one! With so much focus on her brother Luke, we have had to make an extra effort to make sure she gets the attention and love and care she needs as well. She adores her brother. And, for now, she seems to be developing like a "typical" child.

I give God the greater glory in all of this. Everyday I still wonder, "why us." If I could give anything to make Autism go away, I would. But, there is a purpose to all of this, we will just have to wait and see what that is.