As Sean’s
mother looks back, she thinks
that she always knew something
was wrong. Sean just didn’t
look at her the way his
older brother had, he seemed
content to be left alone,
and would stare intently
at the ceiling fans. The
pediatrician told her: “Don’t
worry about it, he will
be fine. Some children just
develop a little slower
than others.”
Just to be on the safe side,
at 16 months Sean’s
family had him evaluated
at the Developmental Medicine
Clinic at Children’s
Hospital. They were devastated
by the results – Sean
received a diagnosis of
Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Referred to their local
Early Intervention Program,
they were given a list
of Specialty Service Providers,
and contacted NECC. Determined
to be a potential candidate
for services and with
a placement available,
NECC teachers began working
with Sean in his home
when he was 18 months
old.
Through the program,
Jen (his primary teacher)
and Amy and Patty (his
secondary teachers), come
into Sean’s home
for a combined 30 hours
each week. Using techniques
based on the principles
of ABA, Sean’s teachers
have worked on increasing
his eye contact, identifying
pictures, and imitating
motor movements and sounds.
Sean has his own work
area in the corner of
his bedroom, and access
to all of his favorite
toys. Sean’s mother
sits in on some of the
sessions, and practices
the programs in the evenings
and on the weekends.
Now 2½, Sean smiles and
says “Hi”
when he sees someone new.
He is able to follow simple
directions, ask for what
he needs, and plays appropriately
with some toys. Sean’s
NECC specialist is talking
with the family about
introducing typical peers
into Sean’s day,
possibly through the local
playgroup. Sean’s
mom can’t believe
the change: “It
might be a little too
soon to tell, but we may
just be able to have him
enter the preschool in
our local school system
within the next year!”
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