Ryan's Hope

Our son Ryan was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2 years 8 months. At that time he had no appropriate language. While other little boys would respond to their mother's love with words of love in return, our little boy remained silent.
While other children played with toys and enjoyed being children, our son lined up toys in straight lines or perfect semi-circles. He didn't have the ability to play or pretend.
At his diagnosis, Ryan's IQ was tested at only 53, which is in the retarded range.
He wasn't learning and he wasn't developing. At this point his future didn't look very bright.
Fortunately, the story doesn't stop there. Though we were told that most autistic children would never speak, we refused to accept that. Though we were told that most would need supervision all their lives, we dreamed of Ryan having a life of his own, on his own.
Though we were told that there was not hope for a child overcoming this disorder, we chose to ignore their "wisdom" and fight for our son.
By the grace of God, we now have our son back.
His language is now at normal levels and he can tell me anything his heart desires. When I tell him that I love him, he hugs me and says, "I love you, Mom." These are words that many mothers of autistic children have never been allowed to hear. His IQ jumped from 53 to 101. He now plays, learns, enjoys life, and dreams of a future working with animals at a zoo.
Today there are numerous children around the world struggling with this same disorder. It is now documented that 1 in every 166 children has autism. In the past autism was 1 in every 3000 individuals. The autism epidemic is alarming as more and more children are being diagnosed with what is known as a lifelong disorder.
But there is hope!
With early intervention many children are overcoming autism and living full lives.
However, treatment must begin while the child is still very young for it to be most effective, and many families are struggling with procuring funding to begin a treatment program.
As a parent you has seen the benefits of early intervention, I urge you to consider supporting these families in any way you see fit.
These children have a chance for a successful future. Help give them that chance.

Lynn M. Hamilton
Parent & Author of "Facing Autism"