It has been nearly a year since Dana Summers heard her 3-year-old son speak.
He said Mama and Dada when he was younger, but even now, he doesnt say those words anymore. But he has before, so we know its there. We know hes capable, the 32-year-old mother from Springfield said.
Her son, Landon, was diagnosed with severe autism in October 2012 when his ability to communicate ceased.
Landons autism, coupled with a neurological muscular disorder, is why Dana and her husband, PJ, are determined keep him in the Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy program an intensive treatment that focuses on positive reinforcement.
ABA therapy is costly and not covered by insurance. Depending on the level, treatment could cost the family $45,000 or more annually.
To help cover the cost, Summers and his wife took part in the fundraising event Landons Voice on Sunday at Lewis Memorial Park. The event also was an opportunity for the family to raise autism awareness.
Dana Summers said the ABA program was Landons best shot at speaking again.
Its one-on-one and really intensive. Children with autism need to be pushed to their limits. They need routine. They need to know that if you do this, youre going to get rewarded, she said. Its one of the only therapies that keep track of success rates, so once he masters something, he moves onto the next.
Landon started therapy in early August, said PJ Summers. He said significant improvement since has given the family hope.
Landon has learned sign language for eat, drink and all done, among others. Landon also has had to make eye contact something hes uncomfortable with while signing, PJ said.
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Therapy provides hope for parents of child with autism