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"So our journey began," she added.
For Dillon, who had no language skills and poor eye contact, that meant intensive therapy, a specialized school and other intervention measures. Shortly after he turned 4 years old, approximations started coming out of his mouth and by 4 1/2 he was talking. Today at 10, he still needs a lot of attention and continues to work on communication skills but he spends much of his school day with other third graders at a local elementary school and is especially strong in math. He also enjoys video games, swimming, karate and has gone from a kid whose senses were easily overwhelmed to one who loves amusement parks. He also works hard to earn walks with his dad Dave and trips to Stew Leonard's.
And while Annie Cerpa could likely fill her time just taking care of Dillon and his 13-year-old brother Chris, she spends countless hours running a support group for parents with special-needs children, planning fund-raisers for Autism Speaks and coordinating programs with the town and local businesses.
She started the support group more than six years ago for those affected by the autism spectrum or similar disorders.
"Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime, according to the Autism Speaks Web site." While Autism Spectrum involves different disorder, they all are "characterized by varying degrees of impairment in communication skills and social abilities, and also by repetitive behaviors."
While Annie organized the support group with the help of the Rocky Hill school system, she now holds meetings in her home and welcomes families not only from Rocky Hill but also surrounding communities such as Wethersfield and Newington.
Attendance at the meetings varies but about 30 families are on the e-mail list. The support group features an exchange of ideas, special speakers and other events, such as the occasional Moms' Night Out. Sometimes field trips are organized, such as last fall's journey to Rose's Berry Farm in South Glastonbury. A holiday party last year drew some 80 people.
For Annie Cerpa, the support group is simply a way families can exchange ideas, help each other out and grow closer.
"I felt that was something parents needed," she said. "It (diagnosis) was such a lost feeling."
Annie Cerpa has also worked with the Parks and Recreation Department, which offers a music therapy class and Robinson's Action Karate at the Tennis and Fitness Center in Rocky Hill is now in its second year of a karate program for special needs students. The class features two peer mentors and about seven others, most who are in the autism spectrum.
Annie also works with several local businesses on fund-raisers, most of which benefit Autism Speaks. She also participates in the organization's greater Hartford chapter's Walk Now for Autism, scheduled this year for June 7 in New Britain's Walnut Hill Park. Last year, she raised $13,000.
Her support of Autism Speaks comes with the hope that "one day they'll get all the answers," she said.
She said there is no cure for autism although many techniques can help. She said treatments to help individuals run the gamut from diet to medication and others.
"It's such a complex disorder there is no one answer for it," she said. "What works for one child may not work for another."
While much of her efforts are aimed at helping families and the drive to find a cure, Cerpa also hopes for greater awareness from the public. She said the level of awareness has increased but many families are still subjected to comments that they should have better control of their children. In one early incident, Dillon was actually kicked by a woman in line at a pharmacy, she said,
"Awareness is becoming better," she said. "There's still so many people who need to hear about and learn acceptance."
On Monday, April 20, Mayor Anthony LaRosa and the Town Council will recognize a national effort and officially declare April as Autism Awareness Month in Rocky Hill.
Annie's husband Dave said his wife has been a wonderful help to so many and has raised awareness about Autism. He said he also appreciates the cooperation and understanding by the town and local businesses.
"Everyone's amazed at how smart and funny some of these kids are," Dave Cerpa said. "It's great that we live in a town that understands these are great kids."
Joseph Leal and his wife Sylvia have a 4-year-old son David, who is on the higher functioning end of the Autism Spectrum. Both have great respect for Annie's efforts.
"Annie Cerpa is the Special Education PTA for Rocky Hill," David Leal said.
He also said, that in addition to her other activities, Cerpa sends e-mails almost daily, with information, events or helpful Web sites to visit.
"She's a bundle of information," Joseph Leal said.
