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In May of 2006 my son, Johnny, was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). This diagnosis was changed to a diagnosis of Autism by a diagnostic team at Children's Hospital Boston in October, 2006. We are doing everything in our power to help our son and assure him a happy, healthy, normal life. Johnny is currently enrolled in Early Intervention Services where he meets with a Speech Therapist and an Occupational Therapist. Johnny receives Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Services five days a week. Since beginning the ABA, we have noticed positive changes in his attention-level, as well as his abilities to focus, follow commands, and perform age-approriate tasks. For a period of a few months, he was on a strict gluten free/ casein free diet, with the hopes that such dietary intervention may help improve his focus and his ability to make eye contact, as well as decrease some of his stimming behaviors. We recently took him off the diet and saw no difference in his behavior. Our most immediate concern is enhancing Johnny's speech development, most notably through hand-signs and Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). Despite his obstacles, Johnny remains a happy, fun-loving, affectionate child. He loves books, football, puzzles, toys with flashy buttons, the Backyardigans, and climbing on his swingset. He may have a long road ahead, but we are optimistic. The purpose of this journal is to track Johnny's progress and development. It is Johnny's Journey.

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