I am writing to tell our story. We have a child who was diagnosed with autism, PDD-NOS and severe developmental delays.

That’s not the story. The story is about his recovery.

Our son, who is 4.4, is about 95 percent recovered from his autism. We were given the “official” diagnosis of severe autism, PDD-NOS and severe developmental delays 29 months by a developmental pediatrician. At that time our son was scoring 5 months on social and 6 months on language according to his Batelle scores.

Our situation is unusual because we chose to not go the traditional route (which being in the medical field was unusual) of PT, OT, ST and/or ABA and/or behavioral therapies.

We did, however, choose to do the least invasive, which was the gluten-free, casein-free, soy-free and sugar-free diet, and supplements.

Our son has been in Fayette County local school district in a “special needs” self-contained classroom for the last two years. In January of this year, he “graduated” because the school psychologist and board could no longer qualify him with any deficiencies. He now goes to a “typical” preschool program with no problems and no support whatsoever.

Having a child who is almost recovered, I spend a great deal of my time advocating on his behalf as well as the children whose parents choose to go the non-traditional route.

I would love to see The Citizen do some articles on children recovered or in the process of recovery to give more parents hope.

I started a support group that meets at the PTC Library the last Sunday of each month from 2-4 p.m. We have about 70 families in our group.

By the way, the only children that you will ever hear about that are recovered are children that have been doing “the diet” and supplements.

Anjellica Guthrie

Ian’s mom and advocate for autism

Tyrone, Ga.

anjellica@numail.org