This started to happen two days ago and I just want to find some info so I know more about what to do.

The young man is 17, non-verbal (at least until two days ago), and just played video games. Never saw any interacting with outside strangers.

I would see him visiting relatives ( they are my friends). I have seen him in violent stages, banging his head against the walls, running to and fro with no direction and it would take them a long time to get him calm.

He goes to a day program.

Well, two days ago I ran into them while they were waiting for the school bus. Well, I was never so surprised in all my life and I felt I must share this with all of you. This young man has never spoken. I have been in his presence numerous times over the past 7 years and I once asked his brother "Has your brother ever spoken? and the answer was "No, he never speaks"

And when I would look into his eye, THERE WAS NOTHING THERE, if you know what I mean.

Well!!!! two days ago, I approached the grandpa who was holding the young man's hand. I stuck out my hand and the young man held it. I was absolutely amazed. He has NEVER responded to me before. He only responds to his family members (if you can call it responding).

So there I was yesterday morning, having him hold my hand and I just looked up at him (he's over 6'2) and I said "can I give you a hug?" and he grabbed me and hugged me.

Well, to say I was dumb struck is putting it mildly. I smiled a big smile and put my hand on his face (and he let me). I started stroking his face and he let me do that. I was so amazed I can't even describe this. I continued to stroke his face in a calm gentle way and I spoke softly to him.

His grandpa was beaming. I was beaming. I'm sure the heavens were beaming.

So I had to go on an errand, so I politely said goodbye and that was that.

That was YESTERDAY!!!

Well, today you could have knocked me over with a feather.

I go outside, they are standing there and I walk up with a big smile on my face, looked up at him and held out my hand. He grabbed it and we just stood there and held hands. He again let me hug him. Then he said "HI"

He said 'HI!!!!" I looked at the grandpa and there was a smile from ear to ear.

I looked up at him and I said "My name is Melody" and he repeated it. He said 'Melody". Knowing the whole family speaks Italian, I said 'Melodia" I then said "Can you say Melodia?" He said it.

Now here's the kicker.

I asked him his name and he gave me his name (I'm not putting it here for privacy reasons). BUT HE SAID HIS NAME. I have never heard him speak and now he says his name. Absolutely amazing.

I have NEVER heard him speak in the years I have been in his company. All he ever did was play video games and get frustrated and now we are standing outside and he said my name, and gave me his name!!! How awesome is that!!!

I then started shaking his arm and beaming and he starts giggling and he was VERY happy at his accomplishments. He was actually giddy. The grandpa was smiling broadly.

I looked at him and said "you be good in school and have a good day, bye"

And he said "bye".

This is a 17 year old boy who never spoke, was completely non-verbal and THERE WAS NO LIGHT IN HIS EYES, if you get what I'm talking about.

And for two days he's smiling, letting me hug him, he hugs me back and grabs my hand. And he spoke!!!!

Well, if this is not a miracle or something phenomenal, well I don't know what is.

I just want to know if I should be doing SOMETHING different if I see them again? Should I try and engage him more, let him engage me?? I really don't know what to do.

The grandpa does not speak english so there's a language problem and all we really do is stand there smiling, but this young guy said my name, first as Melody, and then as Melodia, and then he gave me his name.

I am still struck speechless over this.

Quite remarkable don't you think? Whatever they are teaching him at this day program, well we are talking PROGRESS here!!!

Just wanted to share.

Melody

Well!!!!!