Marcus Autism Center Helps Teen

ATLANTA -- Ryan Cartledge was diagnosed with autism long before most people knew about the disease.

"It was devastating when we found out," said Tim Cartledge, Ryan's father, who appeared on 11 Alive News Sunday Today. "I went to the library and found only two materials. One said it was caused by bad parenting. The other said he would be institutionalized."

Ryan was diagnosed at the age of 1. He's now 18 years old.

"I always remind my self that no matter how hard it is on us, it's even tougher for him," Tim said.

He said Ryan has made tremendous progress since he began daily trips to the Marcus Autism Center in Atlanta.

"In school, they told us he wouldn't ever be able to buckle his pants," Tim said. "He still has challenges with feeding, but he can buckle his pants and put on his shoes and his shirt. He takes pride in looking nice."

He said he loves his lessons at the Marcus Center because they keep him involved.

"He's my life," Tim said.

Dr. Alice Shillingsburg of the Marcus Autism Center said the focus shifts as children, like Ryan, prepare for adulthood.

"We work on vocational skills and doing things more independently," she said.

She said Ryan isn't the only one who spends hours at the Center everyday.

"We specialize in intensive intervention," she said. "That's what it takes for kids to make significant progress."

April is National Autism Awareness Month.