Preston's story

My son, Preston, is four years old and is on the Autism Spectrum.  He keeps continuing to blossom everyday – it is truly amazing!!!  I cannot express how important early intervention is.  Preston receives Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Pre-School/IEP, DCBDD & the P.L.A.Y. Project (to name a handful).  I feel so blessed & thankful for everyone!  Just 1 year ago Preston was not talking or using gestures. 

I try to focus on the positive and what Preston can do.  One night at dinner the excitement that my family and I shared, because Preston pointed at something for the first time, was so special.  Birthdays and holidays were a challenge until Preston was around 3.  His nonverbal and his extreme melt downs were exhausting.  Many times my husband would stay with him, when I would take our older children out.  It is so fun and exhilarating now when birthdays and holidays arrive.  Preston even opened one of my Christmas presents this year and said enthusiastically, “Oh nice pumps!” 

Recently Preston has been showing a lot of interest in preschool and initiating conversations with me.  This is so awesome, as he has not shown this very much in the past.  Also, he did a lot of imitating words.  Now he has a pretty large vocabulary that keeps expanding.

The other day I was letting Preston know that it was Monday and he yelled, “No it’s Tuesday!”  I let him know again that it was Monday and he actually told me, “To stop all my ridiculousness.”  He says the funniest things!

I was overwhelmed a week ago, because my husband was out of town and the kids and I were sick.  Preston was playing with my hair and randomly whispers in my ear, “Just don’t worry babe!”   How ridiculously sweet is he?!