Autism programs focus on early intervention

This is a great article in the Toledo Blade on line. The children have one on one with a teacher. Wow! I wonder how this is funded! You can read more and watch actual video clips at http://toledoblade.com/article/20100307/NEWS32/3070309/-1/news13

Lily Lyons was reading books while still in her crib, but speech continues to mostly elude the 3 1/2-year-old Toledo girl.

Although Lily didn't speak a word before enrolling in Mercy Children's Hospital's intensive preschool for autistic children in April, she now talks some - and uses a specialized picture book to communicate with her family. Her twin brother, Luke, who also is autistic and attends the same preschool, has advanced from speaking a few words to talking in complete sentences.

Such progress helps show that intensive early intervention is critical for those with autism, a developmental disability that can affect communication and behavior in varying degrees. Lily and Luke were diagnosed shortly after turning 2 and were enrolled in Mercy's Clinic Home Intensive Program in hopes of improving their education.