Stephen's Story

He would play for hours by himself, lining up cars or watching TV. He spoke little and used gestures and sounds to get what he wanted. His diet changed from eating anything to a very limited carbs and sugar diet. He became afraid of new foods, gagging or crying in terror when we put them on his plate. When his sister arrived his behavior erupted and he threw toys in frustration or attacked her when she got too close. He would run in circles, make loud noises or chew on items when he was worked up.

The innocent habits I brushed off early on became my worst nightmare in July of 2009 when this boy, our son, Stephen was diagnosed with PDD or high-functioning autism. The diagnosis was no surprise to us—just a confirmation of what we had feared for so long. It was the starting point of a journey, a journey of hope, despair, anguish and frustration as we tried to find an answer, a way to unlock the window of Stephen's world and find our little boy inside.

How did we get from there to here?

It is a story I want to tell, a story I need to tell. How a young mother found answers, found hope and ultimately found her little boy.

Today I sat in the IU office and heard Stephen's teacher exclaim over his progress. She pointed out his levels and progress report with NO sign of a language, articulation or cognitive delay. She told me that he was helping the speech teacher lead his play group class! Modeling language for the students and prompting them when they didn't know the answer. She reminded me of the little boy that entered her office not two years ago with a sound repertoire of 6 sounds and 13words. A little boy who couldn't answer questions and was locked inside his own world.

This amazing account of his progress has inspired me to do something I have wanted to do for so long: tell Stephen's story. Piece by piece as I remember the dietary changes, the supplements, the search for therapists and finally finding a doctor who believed me and was able to help our son.

I hope that this story touches you, that the information I share may help someone else's son or daughter struggling with a disability or challenge. But ultimately, I hope that this story gives glory to God and praise for His touch on Stephen's life.