Autism, brain injury and developmental disabilities can isolate children. Our students learn that challenges can be met, progress is possible, and independence can be achieved.

A Journey with Autism, Through a Mother's Eyes

Like mothers all over the world, Tracy looked forward to hearing her son say just three little words. When he finally did, it was a breakthrough that changed both of their lives forever.

For my son, the most important three-word phrase began with, 'I want,' she explains. Learning how to ask for what he wanted enabled Michael, who was diagnosed with autism at age 3, to replace angry tantrums with patient requests.

Tracy attributes much of Michael's progress to the applied behavior analysis (ABA) home-based therapy he received from May Institute. "It was the only therapy we found that had research behind it," she said.

The first challenge was helping him make eye contact. That was the way in, says Tracy. After he mastered eye contact, he could work on imitation, language, academic skills, and self-help skills. But the most wonderful achievement, according to Tracy, was when he began making requests.

Now he can just ask for what he wants. Within the first year after starting ABA, we had a much happier child. My dream for Michael — independence. We're trying to give him all the skills he'll need to succeed and be happy.