Christian's Life and his supporting Cast

Mike and I originally had Christian evaluated in November of 2004 for what was thought to be autism symptoms. Up to that point, we had not even fathomed that our son could be dealing with this issue. When he was seen by Dr. Carl Myers, we were told to have him re-evaluated in a year and to pursue intensive early interventions in the interim. Christian began regular therapies. We used his team to get intense supports and place people and supports all around him. We enrolled him in Family First Learning Center where he gets about 15 hours a week of time with normally developing peers and a wonderful cast of staff that loves and helps him. We enrolled him in the regional child development Center for supplemental services for a grant based program. We also started him at Western Kentucky's Early Childhood program where he is going to a 2 hour Big Red Way each week with Lisa Murphy. His support coordinator worked to help us have him re-evaluated so that we could find out what supports we could put in place to support him further. I did not know that I would always feel such thankfulness. If it were not for the drive and dedication of his staff he would not be here where he is today. He also goes to church 2 times a week and is around peers his own age. As we have had very limited funds, these programs have been the gift of hope for our son! I can not tell you the anguish of a mom knowing that there is help out there but it has a price tag higher than you can pay.. thanks to the Places like the Family First ELC, RCDC, Western, and First Steps.. my child can bloom. He has over 200 words now.. he started with 3 in less than 7 months ago. God, thank you for putting the people in our lives that have made our son's growth possible. Thank you to Lisa who took the time out to go and help me with the evaluation process. Thank you to Mrs Tina who teaches my son about dancing.. this brings him such a sense of joy and who teaches him things to bring him laugther. Thank you to Mrs. Toby.. he loves her and looks forward to her and I look forward to her wisdom. Thank you to Vicki who has taught Christian to talk and has tapped into his passion for music. There are no many more in this supporting cast... that we love and most importantly Christian loves. Thanks for all you do!!