Little miracles happen every day here at The New England Center for Children. If you don't believe it, just ask Joey C.'s mom.

When Joey, an adorable 7 year-old boy, first came to NECC 3 years ago, he'd only eat baby food. He wasn't toilet trained. He wouldn't make more than the slightest eye contact and had extremely limited language and social interaction skills.

Special needs pre school classes weren't working and Joey's parents were desperate. They loved their son dearly, but they just didn't know how to help him. That's when they came to NECC.

Joey entered our Early Learning Program and began receiving intensive one-to-one instruction using the most advanced teaching techniques of Applied Behavioral Analysis. Joey's teachers here at NECC spent countless hours helping him learn things that most kids pick up on their own from their parents and peers.

Joey struggled, but very slowly he began to make progress. It took one and one-half years, and many small steps, but Joey learned to eat - and to enjoy - solid foods. And that was only the beginning.

Last year, he began attending kindergarten each morning at a regular school. Joey's NECC teacher, Christine, accompanied him to class and modified the standard curriculum to help him learn. Then, in the afternoons, Christine worked with Joey back at NECC, practicing and reinforcing the lessons of the morning.

All the hard work is paying big dividends. Joey, who was once absorbed in his own world, has become more curious and engaged with his peers. He responds to those around him - he even initiates contact and conversation, and laughs heartily just like other children his age! For an autistic child, once totally trapped in his own world, this is truly a small miracle.

Through the summer, Joey has continued making great progress in preparation to enter 1st grade at the elementary school in his hometown. A NECC teacher will be right beside him to help him in his ongoing transition. Our dream is to help special needs children like Joey reach their full potential.