Welcome to Anna
	Anna is 7 years old. Until the age of 2, Anna was developing like any other child - walking, talking, laughing, playing. Then Anna stopped – more and more, she withdrew into herself, into her own world. Three years ago Anna was diagnosed as Autistic. Anna has not spoken since she was 2 years old. Anna needs to go to the Son Rise programme to help her achieve the next significant step in her development. Son Rise has an exceptional programme for treating Autistic children and through their research and involvement to date, Catriona and Calum know they have to take Anna to the Son Rise Centre in America. Anna is a loving, hugely loveable child who brings pleasure to all around her. Those who know her want to know her more – reaching out to Anna through the Son Rise programme may help us all to do this.	Anna’s Story Fund Events Gallery Q&A Sonrise Email us Links
Anna’s Story
Up until the age of two and a half, Anna appeared to be developing as most children. She had a reasonable vocabulary, she could comment on the world around her, sing songs and rhymes and take part in simple games and activities with other children. At around that age she rapidly regressed and within a few months lost all speech. She became introverted, disinterested in other human company and would not sleep at night. Her eyes never looked particularly focussed and she certainly gave no eye contact whatsoever as in this picture from 2001 when she was 4. After a long wait to have her diagnosed, our suspicions were confirmed – Autism in its classic form.
	The Early Stages
	Activites with Anna became very limited. Her swing and the local chute were about her limit. As we later discovered, the swing was a classic form of repetitive behaviour which Autistic children use to withdraw from the world. She was shutting herself off and burrowing deeper into herself. Speech gradually diminished. Instead of saying “please have a grape”, Anna would just say “grape” and later still would take your hand to a grape. Anna was lucky to get a place on a programme at Yorkhill Hospital in Glasgow for a year. She was taken there four times a week and the controlled and specialised environment allowed some early progress. We also tried the Gluten free diet but were unable to attribute any definite improvements.
Anna’s Son Rise Programme
In February 2003, Anna started a Son Rise programme. Anna’s dad had attended a 5 day training course given by the American organisation which developed this approach. It is child centred and parent led and incredible enthusiasm and positive reinforcement is used to join the child where they are, and slowly lead them to greater awareness of others and the need for communication. We have been very lucky to have six volunteers and professionals working with Anna every week. Most of the work is done in her bedroom which has been modified for the purpose. The Son Rise work in her room has been specifically responsible for a number of improvements. Pointing to request something and using eye contact were notable areas of progress. A notional target vocabulary of 20 words was set and although some achievements were initially made, we still have a long way to go on this.
	Anna’s Progress
	Anna is a pupil at the new Language and Communication Facility at Dunblane Primary School which caters for children like her who have Autism. Complementing school, Anna takes part in a Son Rise programme at home. This is run by her parents and six volunteers / professionals who work with her every weekday after school. These individuals typically spend an hour each with Anna in a specially converted room. This year, Anna has learned to ride a bike and to use a Poma ski tow along with skiing itself. She has been sailing and canoeing, all of which was unthinkable a year ago. She now takes part in many activities alongside her peers at Dunblane Primary School, and greets people spontaneously. Simple things, like sharing a game or food with others or waiting in a queue now don`t frustrate her and she is enjoying interacting with her siblings much more than she used to.
Next Steps - Anna’s Fund
In order to get Anna speaking again, her parents are keen to send her to the Son Rise intensive programme which only takes place in America. They have set a target of money to raise – “Anna’s Fund”. A number of events are being organised : Christmas Cards A Burns Ceilidh Art exhibition Family Fun Run Various individually organised activities For more details, please see Anna’s Fund.