Here Jamie and his mum exchange beanbags in an RDI exercise. Non-verbal communication has clearly improved even before Jamie starts the therapy, as Jamie is able to return his beanbag when prompted by mum’s throw alone.

2008 was also the year that Jamie had the ADOS test for the first time since his diagnosis. Four years of ABA and biomedical treatment had improved his interaction score from 14/14, the worst possible, to 8/14. The threshold for ASD is 6/14 so this was great progress indeed. This is how 2008 went:

February:    Great progress in swimming: able to swim breast-stroke and

                      backstroke

May:            Graduated in Suzuki Book I piano at Trumpington Village Hall

July:            ADOS test by same independent psychologist resulted in following

                    scores: communication – 8/10, interaction – 8/14

August:      Again took part in Peak Suzuki, this time participating

                    independently in interactive drama as well as piano playing

                    ABA program completed

September:    Began taking anti-viral drugs to combat chronic infections

                         resulting from weak immune system

                         Started full-time in school year 2

                         Started Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) – baseline

                         assessment puts Jamie at level 0

October:    Completed 5-mile country walk along canal towpaths, across

                    fields, over stiles etc.

November:    Played “Short Story” in Guy Fawkes school play, as well as

                        playing a regular part

December:     Named as Gifted and Talented individual by his school, Dame

                        Bradbury’s of Saffron Walden, Essex