A TAVISTOCK boy who has spent the past four years on a revolutionary treatment for autism started school for the first time last Tuesday.
Paul Lewis, 7, who has Autistic Spectrum Disorder, has been on the Son-Rise Programme of America since 2005 — a unique programme designed to help families enable their children dramatically to improve in all areas of learning, development, communication and skills acquisition.
Since the Times first spoke to the Lewis family in December 2005, Paul has made a remarkable development with his vocabulary and communication skills.
And now his parents Allen and Sheena feel he is ready to start his education at St Rumon's Infants School, Tavistock.
It all started in January 2005 when Paul's father Allen attended, with more than 200 parents, a course on the Son-Rise Programme at a hotel in Enfield.
He said: 'My dream was to hear my mute and "non-eye contact" son, call to his brothers by using their names — well my dream came true as that is now a daily normality in our home.
'With the incredible support from Simon Allen from Tavistock Tyres, Francis Jasper, Union Inn, Sally Perkin, the Market Inn, and many more, we raised thousands of pounds to help Paul break through with his communication skills.
'Also, over 35 volunteers gave up time to work with Paul using this therapy, most of whom came from Tavistock College's sixth form.'
Now four years on, Paul is moving in the right direction and started year two last Tuesday.
Allen added: 'We know this venture will have hiccups along the way but a very positive team of helpers from St Rumon's will work closely with us.
'With Paul moving on, this will enable me to work harder with Cathy Sharp's Tavistock Youth Café Plus group for special needs children in our area.
'I have to personally thank the people of Tavistock, the businesses and the rural community for standing by our family and helping our son. Also a special thank you to X Factor star Rowetta for flying down from Manchester in February 2006 to sing "Over the Rainbow" to Paul and getting the press and TV involved in promoting this powerful therapy. Finally, we would like to thank Son-Rise outreach worker Bethany Burton for turning round all our lives for the better.'
For more information on the Youth Café Plus group for special needs children visit http://www.tycp.org.uk">www.tycp.org.uk