A TAVISTOCK boy with autism has come on leaps and bounds thanks to help and support from local volunteers, writes Lindsay Bright. Paul Lewis is autistic, which means he has problems communicating and relating to the world around him. Since an article in the Times last December, Paul has made a remarkable development with his vocabulary. In December, Paul could speak just over 100 words. Now his vocabulary has grown enormously and he can ask for what he wants and is much better behaved. When he received a present at his fifth birthday party last Sunday, Paul was able to read out what each present said. At one point Allen, Paul?s dad, stopped and went over to him to ask him what a present was, but before he got there Paul had already called out ?helicopter?. Allen said: ?He now brings out his own sentences and he communicates so well. You would not know he was autistic.? Parents Allen and Sheena Lewis have recently taken Paul out of school so he can do the Son-Rise Programme full-time. Sheena said: ?The best thing we ever did was to take Paul out of school. I don?t care if he doesn?t have brilliant maths or English skills I will be happy if he can just get himself washed and dressed in the morning. It?s the life skills I want him to have.? Son-Rise believes every child is capable of learning, communicating and experiencing real joy and happiness. Rather than stop a child?s repetitive and ritualistic behavior, like hand flapping, finger flicking, rocking or spinning, Son-Rise believes people should join in to build a connection. Paul?s faithful volunteers practise the techniques and methods of Son-Rise with him in a custom-built playroom away from distractions. Allen said: ?We are so proud of him and everyone else who has worked with him. We will always be forever grateful to our team of volunteers, who have given their precious time to help this beautiful child.?
