Thank you East Quogue and Westhampton,

My reason for writing is the desire to thank our community, without
even knowing, they have helped my family, specifically my son. I am
a single mother of a nine year old boy named David who at 2 years old
was diagnosed with PDD.
Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified, or PDD-NOS,
is a condition on the spectrum that has those with it exhibiting
some, but not all, of the symptoms associated with classic autism.
That can include difficulty socializing with others, repetitive
behaviors, and heightened sensitivities to certain stimuli.
(http://www.autismspeaks.org)
Fortunately, I am a Speech Pathologist, and work for the county
through the agency Sound Therapeutics. I knew where to find the best
of the best therapists for my son. Between Ms. Judy, Kelly and Jen
and his pre-school, New Interdisciplinary School, David was ready for
any academic challenge. Social skills were another story.

When David entered Kindergarten, in East Quogue Elementary School, he
had difficulty adjusting to the routine, however because he was given
the appropriate support he was able to navigate through school the
school year. Friends were another story. When David showed an
interest in Tee-ball I jumped to sign him up. Due to his
difficulties I volunteered to coach. East End Little League was very
good to me and the other fathers involved with the team were
instrumental in making this an experience my son continues to enjoy.
Coach Glenn and Coach Hammer got David to focus, as much as a 5 year
old can, and have fun with other kids. From baseball we went to
wrestling. The men who volunteered to coach the Westhampton
Hurricane Kids understood my son's trouble and were adamant that he
wrestle and have fun. Coach Jeff and Vinny gave my son the little
extra care he needed and let me hang around to help him. From kid
wrestling we went onto Karate. Sensei Terry of Karate USA, in
Westhampton Beach and Patchogue, was not only instrumental in
breaking through to my son but was able to get him to focus and
attend. He saw David not his autism. David even began to make
friends. He began to have play dates, was invited to birthday
parties, and really began to enjoy the `outside world'.
(David is beginning to train for is first degree in Black Belt) Then
he decided to play football, his close friends played. This I could
not coach or go out on the field, I was a wreck. Again his coaches
gave him (and all the players) the confidence to go for it. Coach
Tim, Mike, Frank, and Tom made David want to be part of the team and
gave him the self-esteem to go out onto the field do his job.

David's coaches and Sensei never let him give up; they taught him to
believe in himself. With what they not only installed in him, but in
all the kids lives they have touched, David is no different from
anyone of his teammates. David really looks forward to hanging out
with his teammates, friends, and without even knowing these children
have also had a direct impact in David's success. The children my
son goes to school with are really the most wonderful group of kids I
have ever had the pleasure of knowing. The families of our community
are strong loving caring and continue to work together for all of the
children. As Senator Clinton has said in the past "It takes a
Village" I will forever be thankful we decided to settle in East
Quogue.

Thank you,

Carrie Dansky