CEAT - Centre for Early Autism Treatment - Northern Ireland

Louis' Story: By Sarah, Louis' Mummy

One afternoon in May 2004, we went for a walk along Cushendun beach to drown our sorrows after the diagnosis. Louis was 2 years and 10 months. It was fairly inevitable although when it's in front of you in black and white it's a very bitter pill to swallow. At this stage we were aware of the therapies used to treat autism. Having visited a family who had just completed an early, intensive behavioural intervention programme, we wasted no time in contacting CEAT.

We immediately started an early intervention programme for Louis. I was like a woman possessed; I became best mates with my computer, laminator and data file. There was no time to waste; Louis was already behind in so many areas compared to his peers. I was told about support groups to help me deal with Louis' diagnosis but embarking on an early intervention programme was my coping mechanism because I knew I was helping Louis.

During the first year of the programme Louis was totally home schooled. He gradually built his hours up to 30 hours of one to one therapy per week. Over that summer we incorporated sibling play into his teaching sessions to help Louis cope with the nursery environment. The second year he received 20 hours of one to one sessions and 12.5 hours at a mainstream nursery with his therapist to support him. I was so proud of him skipping into nursery in his uniform. He was so happy and if truth be told I was dreading the end of the academic year.

In September 2006 Louis was due to enter P1. He wasn't ready for it and neither was I, so we opted to stay at nursery for another year. He got a place in the full-time session for 22.5 hours per week with a full-time classroom assistant. He also received 19 hours of one to one sessions at home. That year Louis was phased into the school day just like his peers. There were challenges along the way but as each one raised its head we addressed it in the home programme. In September 2007, Louis commenced mainstream primary school with full-time assistance. It was a nerve-wrecking summer. A week prior to school starting we were there everyday. Louis met the principal, teaching staff and his classroom assistant. He became familiar with his surroundings and his first day of school was not the hurdle I had expected.

The journey has continued for over 3 years now. Sometimes it feels like 20, but when you see the progress it makes it all worhtwhile. I fought back the tears at the Christmas concert in 2006, Louis just did not want to be there. He did well to get through it but didn't participate. I'm glad to say that the concert of 2007 was a different story. He was a shepherd, he sang and remembered all the actions to the songs. He has learnt to play chasing and has become involved in the playground games. He now knows that it is more fun to play with others than by himself. As a family we are now able to go on trips that are pleasurable. We can eat in the hotel restaurant, go to the zoo, the pool and the shops. We can do normal family things and not stand out. Now I can take my four kids to the park by myself, something that most people take for granted but last year Louis would have run off at some point.

At birthday parties Louis tended to watch Thomas or the Teletubbies in a separate room. This year he was out running around with all the other kids. He was led on a pony and was on the rodeo bull. He thoroughly enjoyed it and played very nicely with his friend Alex whom he met at nursery. Alex started coming to our house to play. We set up a mock nursery and the two boys would have done puzzles, craft activities, game and story-time. Slowly but surely Louis was beginning to spontaneously talk and interact with Alex. Now they go swimming every Friday. Louis has been over to Alex's house to play without me.

These are great achievements for Louis and the best thing for me is that I know he enjoys it. Initially I felt guilty about Louis working so hard. One mother (of an autistic boy) told me that she wanted her son to have a childhood. I just want my son to have a life. I'm not worried about the academics, I just want him to be able to communicate with others, have a couple of friends and enjoy himself. Embarking on the early intervention programme has proven positive for the whole family. Louis enjoys his programme. It's a part of his life that he thoroughly understands and he has acquired many skills at home which he has transferred into his school and everyday life. Providing Louis is happy we intend to continue to supplement his education at home.