Joey

My name is Joey and I am happy to share my story with you. Mommy says it is a story of miracles. Everyday lots of people work very hard to help me to learn. Because of their help I can do many things. Mommy says they are all heroes and that I am the biggest hero of all. I brave this world everyday and it doesn't always make sense to me. But I find ways to laugh and love in it. This is my journey. Joey began his journey early. There were signs from infancy. He did not like cuddling, could not tolerate being spoon-fed and did not like to be held. He rarely fell asleep in anyone's arms. As a toddler he did not point, communicate expressively in any way, could not tolerate wearing pants and still did not cuddle. His favorite activity was to run in circles. He could count to 30 by 19 months (forwards, backwards and by 2's). He could write his name by 20 months but did not respond to it. At first his pediatrician thought it was too much t.v. and then he suggested it might be a lack of quality time as a family. Mommy and Daddy spent every spare moment with Joey and still nothing changed. Mommy quit her job and still nothing changed. Joey's doctor began to think it was an expressive communication delay and referred Joey to a developmental pediatrician. Mommy began to wonder about autism. Joey was diagnosed with autism on April 7, 2003 by Dr. Pasquale Accardo. He was 22 months old and had little language (none of which was functional), and rarely acknowledged his family or friends. We started by researching Dr. Accardo's recommendation of ABA as an intervention. We found that it was supported by the surgeon general and recommended by the NY State Department of Health. Little did we know what a powerful tool ABA was. Now we know it to be the beginning of our miracle. It has helped Joey to understand his world well enough not only to find contentment in it but joy in it as well. One year later he has the beginnings of functional language, cuddles, and has a developed a wonderful relationship with his family. He likes to be held and will seek out Mommy and Daddy for a hug or two. He likes Nemo, The Lion King, matching games, swimming and reading. He likes to play with his sister and sing with his brother. We have more to achieve but so much is possible. We just have to work a little harder and be a little more creative in our attempts to help Joey learn. As a mom, I have seen a father, a sister and a brother transform themselves into three heroes fighting to help our Joseph. My husband is a strong and outspoken advocate, my daughter is Joey's best ABA therapist, and my youngest son is his soon to be best friend- always persistent in his attempts to get Joey to play. (Mom is as moms usually are, a little bit of everything.) We have a talented team of therapists and the support of family and friends. We have met many other parents through FEAT and feel lucky to walk this journey with them. Joey has a bright future. How could he not with so many people pulling for him? I feel like we are blessed. It is no mistake that God gave him the face of an angel because his love is infectious. To my Joseph, how proud we are of you. Your life shines so brightly. You are the precious combination of fragility and courage. It is this precious combination that will help you see life from all its perspectives. You make us excited for today and excited for tomorrow.