Wow. Those of us who have been following Hidden Laughter and have been regularly blown away by Damian's amazing growth knew this was coming. But still. I tell myself that a label can't define someone and that experts don't know everything and that Damian is the same wonderful kid today that he was before this doctor almost-magically pronounced him cured (or very nearly cured.) But STILL, I'm wiping my eyes and jumping up and down and being lifted up by the hope that someday the same thing will happen for our son. Yeah Damian!

P.S. to my earlier comment (hopefully before any spectrum parents, or special ed folks read it ): I know 'cured' isn't the right word. I know there's no cure for autism. I'm sure there's a more accurate word --- and definitely a more nuanced explanation --- for why a child loses his diagnosis. I just goofed.

Wow. Tamar, that's amazing. What an incredible, wonderful week. What an incredible, wonderful boy.

Tamar, what wonderful news. Your verbal pictures of Damian really show how much he's grown and developed over the last years.

Thanks, everyone. It feels pretty amazing. I keep hugging Damian. He doesn't know why but certainly doesn't mind!

Melanie, I think "cured" is fine. After all, one of the major autism organizations is called Cure Autism Now. I've mostly heard it referred to as "recovered from autism." Me, I like "lose his diagnosis" best. I don't know that he'll ever be fully without symptoms/issues, after all. (And I too hope for the same for your son!)

That's wonderful, Tamar. Enjoy!

I just had to delurk to say that even though I've never met you or Damian this entry gave me goosebumps. I'm so excited for all of you. It's amazing to see all the hard work you did pay off like this.