Pennsylvania
- Success Stories
William began receiving services at the Center for Autism when he was five years old, having been diagnosed with Autistic Disorder at the age of three. When he and his family came to Pressley, William had a number of difficulties. He had started talking, but his communication skills were limited. He tended to avoid people and to isolate himself, and seemed unaware of social norms. Center for Autism staff worked with William and his family for two years, during which time they helped him build his communication skills, taught him how to follow directions, and helped him begin learning how to interact with other people. After two years, William had successfully completed services.
William and his family were contacted a year after he completed the program. William was now a third grader and was in a regular, mainstreamed classroom with some in class support. He plays on a Little League team and loves soccer, and his mother reported that he was very popular with his classmates. At the beginning of the school year, he'd had some problems adjusting to a new teacher, but once he got used to his new environment, he started doing better. "I still have to prompt him a to get him to follow directions," said his mother, " but it's nothing like the way it was before. He's able to tell me when he's upset or needs to take a time out. Before, you couldn't understand him. The Autism staff were so dedicated. They are the best."