When Lee was just around 18 months old, he lost his hearing. We took him to see his pediatrician for hearing tests, evaluations and check-ups. After a year of tests we were told that Lee was not developing the same as other children his age and the doctor told us that there was nothing else that he could do. We were living in the Bay Area and they referred us to Kaiser Point West where he was diagnosed as autistic. During his toddler years, we had Lee in Early Intervention programs. When it was time for him to begin school, we searched for something that would be a good fit, since he still had problems with his hearing and could not handle noise.

We heard about Vineland School and a program that would accept Lee.

Miss Christine Isaacson invited all the parents to come for a meet-and-greet. She expected that everyone would go home, but not me. I was determined to stay and be with Lee everyday. Miss Christine politely walked me to the door and told me when and where to pick Lee up.

After three months, Miss Christine asked to do a home visit. I soon realized I needed help so I agreed to the visit. In that visit I expressed that that my goal was to communicate with him. Miss Isaacson then introduced my family to PECS, a picture program that we could use to communicate with Lee. That changed our lives for ever. Lee is now nine and he has over three hundred and fifty icons that he uses to communicate with us. Lee uses the PECS, but he can also verbally tell me what he wants.

In 2001 our son Leland was born and he was diagnosed as autistic at the age of three months. Lee and Leland are like night and day. We were told that no two children were the same.

Lee and Leland both struggle with running off when we go out, so we do have to maintain one on one care for them. My sister Kelly travels every where we go without a fuss. Lee has a very positive spirit and will try new things which he would not do in the past. We enjoy family camping, dirt bike riding and vacations.

I have learned to cope with autism by having a support group that consists of family members, church members, teachers and bus drivers.

We have a room in the back of our home set up just for Lee and Leland. It’s our teaching room and it is bright yellow. When they need to jump, play with beans or just get away, Lee and Leland now know that this room is available to them and they can go and get what they need and come back and join the family. I learned over the years that team work is essential. I was told years ago that, “This not going to be a quick fix but if we work together the outcome will be greater.” This whole process has made my family stronger. Doing everything step by step it takes a little more time, but the progress that the boys have made makes it all worth it. I feel good about Lee getting up the morning dressing himself and getting ready for the bus on his own. Lee has taught his brother how to get his jacket and backpack on. They walk to the bus on their own without me having to help. Just the little things make all the difference.

Now Lee is a very active 4th grader with a full schedule. He enjoys playing sports. Lee’s 4th grade teacher Molly Teale has taught Lee that he can do what ever he wants if he will just try. Together Lee and Leland enjoy gymnastics, swimming, bowling, skating and going out to the movies.

The hardest part about autism is that I never know if Lee or Leland can fully understand what I say and what it means. I have been telling them that I love them every night at bed time and Lee now can say it back, but he still has a lost look on his face. If I could just know they understand, that would mean the world to me.