Therapy brings son out from his autistic shell and into the arms of his thankful parents

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. - Luke Santas is 21 months old.  Although there was a time his mom and dad didn't know if he'd ever be able to read, spell or talk, he’s doing all of that now.

But his parents knew he was different, “The first day of his life.” Dana Santas says. “Most mothers wait for the moment when you look into your baby's eyes and they look up at you, it's amazing. I've had two other children, so I've had that moment, so you wait for that, but it didn't come."

As Luke got older they noticed he didn't want to be held and wouldn't look at them. All he wanted to do was watch ceiling fans.

Two different pediatricians told them to watch and wait.  The Santas fired them both.  Eventually they found a clinical psychologist who diagnosed Luke with Asperger's Syndrome.  Here’s Dr. Danielle Sutton.

“Asperger’s Syndrome is one of the autism spectrum disorders and it’s characterized by deficits in social skills as well as unusual behaviors."

Dr. Sutton told the family to sign up for Early Steps, a state program for early intervention.  Dr. Sutton explains the therapy Luke is getting now.

“He's receiving heavy occupational therapy which is addressing his sensory integration difficulties so he's able to deal with lights and sounds and smells and tastes.  And he's also receiving something called floor time that works on his social and play skills."

His mother says, “What we really like about the therapy is it's not just something you go and do. You can do it at home we do it all the time and that’s how we interact with Luke."

Dad Donovan adds, “We went from having a child that would require us to be in the room with him but want nothing to do with us to now when I come home, he runs right to me and gives me a big hug."

And they say, he’s not even 2 years old and he's reading books, spelling big words, and speaking in long, grammatically correct sentences.  But no doubt, best of all, mom says, “He says I love you. It’s incredible."

For more information on the therapy the family is using go to: www.thekidtherapist.com