Mason Schultz, 5, of Hanahan eats only brown food -- certain textures, shapes and tastes bother him.
Since he was diagnosed by his pediatrician with autism last April, his mother, Patty Schultz, says she's struggled to find the assistance her family needs to help her and others communicate better with her son.
His earlier diagnosis was a developmental delay because he didn't crawl or speak, but his doctor decided to test him for autism last year after noticing him walking on the tips of his toes.
Photo by Grace Beahm
Patty Schultz and her son, Mason, spend the afternoon on the playground.
In 2011, 3,819 students in South Carolina were receiving special education and related services under the autism classification. In 2010, the number was 3,887, and in 2009, the number was 3,415.
-- Source: Jay Ragley, director of the S.C. Department of Education
Prior to the autism diagnosis, Schultz was referred to Babynet, a state early intervention system for infants and toddlers younger than 3 with developmental delays, which determined he was eligible for services such as occupational and speech therapy.
Now he receives minimal therapy through his school, but his mother thinks it isn't enough.
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