Mathew's Story

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Index | Elizabeth's Story | Matthew's Story | John's Story

The day our son Matthew was born was the the happiest day of our lives. However, our joy and excitement was soon replaced by concern, questions, and fear. As an infant, Matthew was always crying, had severe food allergies, an inability to eat solid foods, was unable to speak, had significant sensory issues and seemed completely disconnected from those around him. Because he was unable to communicate or play with toys appropriately, he slipped into a very private place of his own. After many doctor visits and testing, we were finally given a diagnosis: autism. At the time it was the darkest word we had ever heard. But to our surprise, this was the beginning of our learning process that this was simply a word, not a definition of who our son was or what he was capable of becoming. In our hearts we knew the label was not important, but it enabled us to begin to see the dim light on the path in front of us. We were finally able to begin our "game plan" of how to help Matthew be all that he can be.

Matthew began intensive speech, occupational, oral/motor, and behavioral therapy. But the toughest challenge we encountered was finding a preschool for Matthew. Much to our dismay, we were turned away from every "mother's morning out" and preschool program with which we spoke. Then we were directed to the Adaptive Learning Center. We quickly brought Matthew to ALC to be evaluated for their inclusion program and instantly knew that this was the best place for him. ALC would provide a safe haven for Matthew and give us a sense of security that he would not only be accepted by his peers, but also have the opportunity to thrive in an environment with educators who had his best interests at heart.

While the first months were a struggle and our hearts broke seeing Matthew's social and physical challenges, we watched Matthew slowly emerge from that very private place. This became evident when I picked him up from school one day. Matthew was playing on the playground and would not follow the children and teachers back into the classroom. As I watched, a classmate swung open the door and shouted, “Matthew, come on". I tried to hide the tears as I watched my son, who not too long ago was in his own secluded world and not acknowledging other children, run towards this girl and hold her hand as they walked together back into the classroom! I thought to myself, this is what an inclusion program strives for. While Matthew still has challenges ahead of him, he has made great progress. He is now speaking in full sentences, playing with his classmates and always laughing.What a pleasure it is to see Matthew invited to his classmates' birthday parties, have a birthday party of his own and participate in camp, soccer and other activities alongside his friends. Since going to school, the changes in Matthew are amazing. We are now setting goals for him and watching him exceed them. ALC has enabled Matthew to realize his potential and give our family a true feeling of acceptance. In turn, we have learned, on a more profound level, what an amazing child we have been blessed with. He has taught us so much about acceptance, determination and the human spirit. Those dim lights on the path we began one and a half years ago are now shining brighter than ever as we walk towards his future.