Joshua Latowsky was diagnosed with Autism when he was only 26 months old. Although Josh is only 13 and a half years old today, he has had quite an eventful young life. Josh participated in an integrated pre-school program that appreciated his uniqueness. When he was too old to continue, his dad and I were able to access a few useful programs in the community, although utilizing them were not so easy. There were waiting lists and none of the programs were comprehensive enough to meet Joshua's needs. Both research and advocacy were necessary on our behalf to maximize the few opportunities in existence for an autistic child. By the time Josh reached Grade 2, he had faced numerous transitions in a variety of school-based programs. However, none were successful in educating and treating our son. The complex autism disorder coupled with manifestations of inappropriate behaviours were too demanding and the teaching staff were not trained to cope with such an unusual little boy. The programs were limited and not sufficient to help our son accept and trust his environment. The

other parents of normal children would not tolerate Joshua's outbursts, tantrums and screaming fits.

When we first visited the Muki Baum Association's Children's Day Program, we immediately knew we had discovered a "hidden treasure". We were pleasantly greeted by a young man who showed us our way to the office. We had a warm feeling of a place we knew Josh could belong in - a place where he would be able to overcome his fears and limitations. The Muki Baum Association provided the first program where his needs are met holistically, by offering our son sensory integration therapy, music therapy, relaxation therapy, communication systems and formal education, along with hugs, consant praise and a safe environment.

We are relieved and delighted for Josh and our family now that we are a part of the Muki Baum "family". Our son is appreciated, his challenges tolerated and his strengths and humour built upon. We are grateful that Josh is accepted for who he is and as a result, he has become more at peace with himself. Josh's life is truly enhanced due to his experiences with the Muki Baum Association.

- Nancy L.

Our beautiful little girl, Jill was born bright-eyed and beautiful. We were overjoyed. We now had the perfect family - a son and a daughter. She was, however, very different and difficult from the start. She slept infrequently, had problems feeding and she cried almost constantly. As time wore on, we couldn't seem to teach her the normal baby things.

When Jill was only 22 months old, we received the devastating news that she was mentally handicapped. It was one of the most emotional days of our lives. Our world came to a crashing halt. We had no experience with disabilities, but we made every effort to get involved with as many programs as possible. We always took her somewhere for stimulation and assessments.

Jill started nursery school with other disabled children, but she did nothing but cry there. After much searching and many refusals, we placed her in a regular nursery setting. She was much happier there and the other children accepted her quite well. She remained there until her teen years, with trips to Surrey Place Centre for behaviour management. This did wondrous things for Jill. All of a sudden she began to enjoy puzzles and artwork and her demeanor changed as well. We then realized she did have much more capability than was being realized.

Senior school was a disaster. We became more and more

frustrated by her lack of progress and the fact that no one put any effort into Jill. The teachers there refused to recognize any human potential for our daughter. It got to the point where we just couldn't leave her there any more. We frantically searched for a more suitable learning facility for Jill.

We heard of a place called Thera Studies, founded by a lady who had a special needs child of her own. We visited the program and were very impressed with what we found. Jill was accepted into their school, which eventually became the Muki Baum Association. Jill blossomed in their program and even won an award for being the most improved student.

She has remained with the Association ever since. The staff ratio to student is high, the dedication unique. We believe Jill's greatest joy is when she is with her peers and staff. She fancies herself quite the important person and is the social butterfly at her program.

We know our daughter is very lucky to be part of the Muki Baum program and we are thrilled to be part of the Muki Baum "family". We don't know what we would have done without Muki Baum.

Jill now resides in one of the Muki Baum group homes and she has learned to be much more self-sufficient. Even though our little girl is happy to come home for visits, she is always pleased to go back to her friends. Muki Baum has really given Jill a much better chance at life and we will be forever thankful.

- Sharon B.

It seems like only yesterday when Howie was just a little boy. It seems like only yesterday when his dad and I learned that Howie would never be normal. Today, Howie is 31 years old and although he isn’t normal, he is wonderful. Howie is happy, affectionate, well adjusted and well mannered. He enjoys life and he enjoys every day of his life and this is mainly because of the Muki Baum Association.

When he was younger and we were still searching for the right diagnosis and the right medicine, life for Howie was terrifying. His schizophrenia and paranoia were paramount, to the point where he could not function properly. Every corner held terror and fear for Howie. Even moving from one room to another was like climbing the highest mountain, fearing a violent monster would only be there waiting to harm him on the other side of the doorway.

Since Howie began his journey to adulthood under the care and treatment of the Muki Baum Association, he has realized many successes. Howie’s schizophrenia has been tamed by Risperidone. Since taking this medication, he can accept

change, welcome new faces and surroundings, and enjoy simple things like walking through a mall without wanting to hide behind the garbage cans, like he did when he was a little boy. He doesn’t punch holes in the walls and he doesn’t try to destroy the things he loves. Not any more.

Without the Muki Baum Association, Howie would have languished in a world of emotional and psychological pain. The intensive one-on-one sessions, the sand play therapy, the music therapy and the multi-focal approach have all helped to restore Howie’s self-esteem and have allowed him to mature into the wonderful man that he is today.

It seems like only yesterday when Howie began his road to success with the Muki Baum Association when he was just 7 years old. It seems like only yesterday when Howie moved out of our home and into his own home with the help of the Muki Baum Association. Howie shares his home with other clients at the adult program. He lives in the Eckler House on Brooke Avenue.

Howie enjoys a life of quality and a life of independence, and it only seems like yesterday when it all began.

- Bunny I.