May 12, 2007 By Leigh Ann Kramer 3 min read

I had to write the voice of reality after reading an article in your paper about Tyler Kalich. His name could be A.J. Kramer, my autistic son. Fortunately, in our family, he changed our lives for the better. We were diagnosed in September 2005 when my son was 21 months old, although we had early intervention services since August 2005. We also had many hours a week where we had therapists (speech, special instruction and occupational). There were days when we had “teachers” from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. with enough breaks to feed my children lunch and give them a nap, only to wake up for the next session.

Through working with EI we slowly achieved success that is immeasurable. A.J. started to say “momma” and “dada” but regressed, and they were never references to my husband and I. Slowly he began to communicate, even make eye contact with the little boy staring back at him in the full-length mirror I had in my living room.

When he was excited he would go to that little boy and watch him jump and flap his hands). He would look at him and laugh, play games, etc. When the speech teacher suggested we take it down we had concern but did as she suggested. She’s the boss. It took about a week but the opportunity was there for me to become that boy in the mirror. My son started to look at me when he was happy and play with me. We started telling him to look at us when we were saying anything to him, sometimes having to hold his shoulders and moving our faces around to catch his eyes. Then suddenly…

I remember the first time my son talked to me directly. He was in bed crying. He had a cold. I opened his door and he looked at me dead in the face and said “Mommy cup.” I handed him his cup, crawled in bed with him and slept there all night. It is a night I’ll never forget. It was a long-awaited sound.

Once I told EI that he said his first real words they were excited for me, and with me, then became stern. Now I do know he can talk. Don’t back down. It’s time to make him talk. When I saw the photo of Tyler on the back of the paper I saw the beginnings. As his dad was talking he was looking at him, taking it in. He understands what people are saying. He does hear them.

Today, at 3 1/2 years old, my son can and will repeat any word I throw at him. He says funny little sentences like “A.J. needs his shoes, go outside, play basketball.” “A.J. find cup for drink.” We are very aware that parenthood takes its toll in so many ways.

But it gives much more. I am blessed to have not just A.J., but two children with disabilities. They have brought me a support system I never would have had otherwise. Someday, when I am holding my grandchildren while A.J. is giving his inaugural speech on the White House lawn or while he is receiving his Nobel Peace Prize, or while he is playing a concert at Carnegie Music Hall to a sold out crowd, I will only hear “Mommy cup.”

That’s all it takes. One word. Autism!

Please feel free to use my name. I am proud to be who I am.

Leigh Ann Kramer resides in Dunbar.