Thanks for your presentation at Florida Partners in Policymaking in Orlando. So much of what you said was just what I needed to hear and the timing was perfect for me. I have had issues with so much of what is going on in my 13-year-old son's life for some time now. Sometimes it seems I'm the only person who realizes what potential he has! Therapists talk about "cognitive age" and "performance" and how he doesn't do this and that for them. It seems they don't have a clue that he won't perform for them because he does not want to! He does not speak, sign, or use communication cards, and he does get frustrated, leading to "inappropriate behaviors."

I am like a single parent and I must work sometimes, requiring someone to be here while I'm away. After your presentation, I told my son we were going to stop some of the specialists coming into our home. He got up, came to me, sat in my lap, and put his arm around me. A powerful moment! I'm reading your book and look forward to every chance I have time to read more. You were just what I needed, and I'm so grateful to be part of Florida Partners In Policymaking 2010.

Sincere thanks,
Fred C.