Eight-year-old Jeff, who has autism, was recently honored by Georgia’s Council of Exceptional Children as one of the most improved students in his suburban Atlanta school. His mom, Mimi, marvels at the progress he has made and credits the professionals of May South for helping to change Jeff’s life. “May South has simply opened up many doors for our family,” she says.

Like all parents, Mimi and her husband Russ felt blessed when Jeff was born. He appeared to be a perfect baby with ten fingers, ten toes, and a delightful smile. But a few months after his first birthday something strange happened. The previously friendly baby would not even make eye contact with his parents. Concerned, Mimi turned to her friends, family, and pediatrician who all told her that Jeff was fine. “There’s nothing to worry about.”

Time passed and Mimi continued to voice her concerns. Jeff was now 2 1/2 years-old, and Mimi knew something was wrong. He would throw tantrums, screaming uncontrollably. After being observed by a behavioral specialist, Jeff was diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). Finally, Mimi had her answer.

Jeff then began attending a preschool for special needs children. Although he was making great progress, Mimi knew the services would end shortly (at age 3) so she began to explore her options. The news was discouraging. She was repeatedly told “he will not ever be able to do anything.”

Looking for support, Mimi went to a local support group where the facilitator handed out a flyer about May South. Mimi called, and May South staff workers came to the family’s home, met Jeff, who was now 5 years old, and told Russ and Mimi how the organization could be of help.

At the time, Jeff spoke only two- and three-word phrases. He could not identify the basic concepts of colors, shapes, and letters. When asked to complete a task or when a preferred activity was terminated, Jeff would burst into tantrums. He was exhibiting aggressive episodes at school, and the family was unable to take him in public because of his outbursts. He had little interaction with his peers or older brother, was a very picky eater, and would never sit at the table for a meal, let alone at his desk in the classroom.

After several months of intervention therapies coordinated by May South staff, Jeff’s progress was significant. He was sitting for 30 minutes without a break and could complete a task. Jeff’s teacher called to say, “He wants to do more and more work, and I have to get more materials!” Mimi was ecstatic.

When aggressive behavior in the classroom became an issue, May South staff worked with Jeff and within days was able to turn this around. The behavior stopped and has never again happened, commented Mimi. May South therapists taught Jeff his ABCs, colors, shapes, 30-40 site words, and helped him learn how to count to 20 and remember his telephone number. Today, Jeff is able to attend church with his family and enjoys playing with his brother. He’s speaking four-five-word sentences, and he’s reading!

“I am so proud of him!” says Mimi, who credits May South with “saving our world.”