I want to tell you about my oldest son Luke. Luke is 8 years old and has autism plus a rare chromosome disorder. The gene disorder is a micro duplication of Gene 16p 11.2, this affects the way the Luke learns and takes information in. There’s not a lot known about this gene so more research is being done on it.
Luke started off life as a normal baby making all the gurgling noises, saying mama, dada etc. Then one day he woke up and didn’t say a word, instead of talking he screamed. From early morning to late at night he screamed, nothing would pacify him, he wouldn’t sleep, he wouldn’t eat any of the foods he had previously loved. He just use to sit screaming, staring at the void in front of him. He wouldn’t stop if I called his name. It’s like he was in a trance, daydream but never snapped out of it.
As days rolled on he started to take an interest in cars. He would never play with them just line them up, he would even get down on the ground so he could see they were perfectly aligned. It was during this stage we got the diagnosis that he was in fact autistic and all these things were in fact his traits.
He was enrolled for a special school as it was deemed he would never manage a main stream school. He started school at nearly 5 years old not being able to speak. After extensive work with the school and regular sessions with a speech and language specialist. Luke uttered his first words on Christmas day when he said
mama
This was the most incredible day and one that I will never forget. It was like winning the lottery, my little boy had spoken.
He soon started to develop new skills virtually day by day, he learning pattern is very unique as he can have a massive development spurt and then plateau for ages. This is all down to the Chromosomal disorder of Gene 16p 11.2
Despite all this and his autism he is doing incredibly well at school. He has even moved up to his Junior special school a year early and excelling. This is way above any expectations I ever thought possible. Do you know the best part of it all he comes and tells me all about his day. I do mean all from start of school to the end of the day. Its amazing as I thought he would never talk again.
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Wendy on 
Wow, we are so happy to hear this, and wish Luke the best of luck at school!
You are a lucky mum, and Luke is lucky to have you, as you two both look and sound like amazing people! Luke is a true inspiration, and should be very proud of himself! What does Luke enjoy doing nowadays, is he still into cars?
Thank you for your comment.
Yes Luke still loves cars as well as google maps.He will get google map on the computer then get a normal road map and pin point the exact spot he has on the computer screen. Also he loves X-box games and can complete them quite quickly. He also enjoys watching the weather reports on tv.
Awh that’s adorable!
Looks like he’s going to be into fabulous cars when he’s older! 
You must be a proud mum! 
Zaggora Girl recently posted..Happy Halloween from Zaggora!
Thank you yes I am very proud mum. Luke is going to be a whizz at cars
Just stumbled across your blog while looking for other 16p Moms out there. Would love to hear more about Luke and how 16p affects him. Our little guy is just 2.
Hi welcome to Savette.com
If you would like to get in contact with me please feel free. It would nice to be able to talk to another mum with 16p. I have 3 children with 16p 11.2 micro duplication. My two boys are 8 and 2 and have been diagnosed with autism. My daughter is 6 and is non stop eating, bursts of energy then the next minute fast asleep for hours. I found it affects the way that they learn . They have a development leap then plateau for ages. Look forward to chatting to you – wendy