The J4 Project

On April 9, 2005 I welcomed my first born and only son into the world.There was no doubt what his name would be, Joe Walter Stevens IV. I rememr being so eager to squeeze all the knowledge I had absorbed throughout the years to him. He was such ahappy, alert,and smart baby. Hetalked early with a fairly large arsenal of words. He walked early and began showing early signs of athleticism. He waseven accepted into a modeling agency at 8 months. When he turned 14 months he as receiing offes from cmpanys lke Pampers and Carter's for print and commercial work. Unfortunately, he was never able to take advantage of those opportunities because things changed. Everything came to a screeching halt after his second dose of vaccines.Most can not fathom this but I saw it with my own eyes. The very next day my son stopped talking completely. Joe also began hand flapping along with long gazing stares at nothing.The first thing I remember doing was telling his doctorabout the change at afollow up visit.The doctors' response wasthat Joe would have been that way regardless. Even afterI refused, the physician continued to push the influenza vaccine onus that J was scheduled to take that day.To add insult to injury he offered no recommendation forassistance for my son. I remember feeling so alone. My wife and I were soonfaced with the reality that our son was injured and had developed autism. Since that day we have embraced this challenge and we are determined for our son to have a full recovery. Through speech and ABA therapyJoe has regained his voice and can communicate in a small capacity. His expressive and receptive language leaves much to be desired but he continues to make strides.My wife and I have traveled to see DAN(Defeat Autism Now)doctors in the quest to recover Joe.The services they provide have worked for J; however, they along with speech and ABA therapy are expensive and can be financially draining over time.This is why I have started The J4 Project, Inc. The J4 Project was established to assist in the recovery efforts of my son Joe W. Stevens IV aka "J4". In addition, it is to develop programs that will assist families of children with autism and other neurological disabilities.Our ultimate goal is to have a school specifically designed for this purpose. We are asking that you help us kick start our efforts by purchasing a t-shirt and encourage a friend or family member to do the same.We also ask that you join us in spreadingautism awareness throughout your community and abroad.Thank you in advance for your support. It is greatly appreciated.