Our son, Ryan, was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. Echolalia or repeating things he heard was his way of verbalizing. Our days were filled with meltdowns and frustrations. We began several therapies: speech, occupational, and ABA therapies at school and an in-home therapy. Every church service, we brought him to the altar to be prayed for. After a few months, he began to initiate words. Within five or six months he began forming sentences. At the age of seven, he sang at a church talent contest and was the winner!
At the age of eight, at Wisconsin District Family Camp he received the gift of the Holy Ghost in the children's services. One of our daughters came running to tell me "Ryan got the Holy Ghost!" As I walked into the building where the children were, I saw him still at the altar, hands raised high, speaking in tongues!!! In the weeks following, he began to have an awareness of autism - asking questions about it. He even told us that he had a dream and in that dream he didn't have autism. I believe this is God's promise to our precious gift!
When he started Junior Camp he was runner up camper of the year. Now, at age eleven he attends an ACE school and is excelling. There are minimal, if any, meltdowns. He has developed such an imagination and creativity. He is forming friendships. His personality is truly blossoming - as he entertains us with his silliness and his warm smile. He loves to sing and act. You will often see him in church "Amen-ing" the preacher as he springs up out of his seat.
Ryan's healing isn't instant, but it progressively evident!
What great things is God going to do through Ryan and others like him? To God be the glory!
Katrina Becker attends Apostolic Life Church in Onalaska, WI where her husband serves as the Administrative Pastor along with their four children, Alexander, Ryan, Kylah and Alayna. Katrina enjoys music, spending time with friends and family, and traveling.