We found out almost one year ago that our youngest son Justin has autism. Up until this point, we have chosen to tell only those who needed to know. However, now I feel it is time to give back to the school that has helped my family beyond what words can express. We hope to do this in part by spreading awareness of the benefits of early intervention.

First, let me tell you about Justin:

Before the May Center: Justin, at 2 years old, was a sweet boy who liked to spend all day moving toys from one place to another, emptying pail after pail of sand in his sandbox, and carrying shovels in his hands with a red-knuckle tightness. Justin rarely made eye contact with anyone, and when he did, his eyes were vacant. He did not respond to his name or react to activities taking place right next to him. Sudden, loud noises did not startle him. In fact, he appeared to not even be aware of loud noises. People could come and go from the room he was in, and he took no notice. He did not speak (except for jargon), gesture, point, or nod his head. His needs and wants, if not anticpated, were often expressed through crying and screaming. On occasion, Justin would learn a word and I would think, "Oh, he is ok, I just worry too much." Then, that word would leave and he wouldn't speak again for days or weeks. More than the lack of speech, the idea that he did not understand our words to him, pulled at my heart. Justin did not imitate like most little boys; he didn't quack like a duck or walk like a monkey. Justin was obsessed with red. He would collect red things from all over the house - maybe a red sock or a red crayon and of course, the red shovels - and then want to carry them around. Justin had no fear or "normal" attachment, so he would wander off and then would not respond to the cries of his frantic family. Those minutes when he was missing seemed like hours. In short, Justin was in his own world and only joined us from time-to-time.

Justin was diagnosed as autistic in March of 2003. In April of that year, he started at The May Center for Child Development in Freeport, Maine.

Since the May Center: As I write this, Justin has been attending the May Center full time for nine months. He is excited to see the teachers each morning and he plays with the other students. Not only does he make eye contact, he works hard to get you to look at him. He plays with cars and trucks, even making the "vroom" noise! Justin takes your hand to show you things. He gets excited from cheers of recognition of his accomplishments. He looks now to make sure someone is with him before going on his "walks." He points to things, nods his head, and loves to imitate his big brother. It is clear that he understands much of what is said to him, and he can follow simple instructions. Best of all, Justin speaks!! Not many words - and many are echoes of what he hears - but he is adding to his vocabulary each and every day. At night, Justin says, "I love you," and blows me a kiss. Life doesn't get any better than that. We still have a long journey ahead. Justin still loves red, spends long periods of time engaging in repetitive behavior, and is severly language delayed. Justin still has his own world, but he spends more time in ours now.

In my mind, The May Center for Child Development in Freeport is a place for a child to be loved and nurtured and supported each day. Each child's accomplishments are celebrated. For parents, the May Center is a place that offers hope. The school has the most amazing group of wonderful people. In short, the May Center is a godsend, a true blessing.