I am a single mother of twin daughters. We live with my mom and stepfather. They were born 10 weeks prematurely on October 22, 2003. Due to their prematurity they were referred to a program that was called Follow Along. Every few months a couple women would come to my house and observe the babies' development. During what would have been the last visit about a month before their 2nd Birthday I was asked if I had ever thought one of my girls could be autistic. I said no. Another woman who is an Autism Specialist who works with the Intermediate School District came out to my house and assessed my daughter. She was then diagnosed with mild/moderate autism. I was advised to apply for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) benefits from Social Security, so I did. Within about 2 months my daughter was approved to receive benefits (based on my income). She also was switched from the Medical Assistance program her sister and I were receiving with an HMO (UCare) to straight Medical Assistance (accepted at more places with less restrictions). I also went through the process of obtaining PCA services and was able to hire my mom, which works out well since we live with her anyway. I had begun working part time at Kohl's in the evenings. When she was about 27 months old (in January) she began attending Early Childhood Special Education 5 days a week through the school district we live in. Right around her 3rd birthday she began receiving private Occupational and Speech therapy twice a week. She stopped receiving the Occupational therapy after about 14 months because she had made so much progress. She also no longer qualifies to receive Occupational therapy or Adaptive PE at school for next year. I have chosen not to try any other treatment methods other than school and private therapy. I am currently considering trying to help lessen the number of meltdowns and tantrums each day by having her drink either Mangosteen or Mona-Vie fruit juice blends. As far as communication I have used visual schedules and picture cards. She has made tremendous progress with her speech since she started the private therapy. I have always tried my hardest to make sure I do not treat my daughter differently than her sister or make her feel like there is something wrong with her. I take her to many different places and encourage her to be as outgoing and social as she can. I think sometimes people think I am lying when I tell them she is autistic because she doesn't look or act like she is. I want to educate and inform people about the many different degrees of severity and differences in symptoms from one person with autism to the next. I have to go to sleep now, but please leave me a comment or question if you'd like to.