Our son Murtala who has been enrolled in the autism Scholarship program of The aim Program since October 2014 had poor memory and retention, emotional issues including temper, and stunted physical growth. He also was bent at the back and waist as if the weight of the situation was on the physical body. He was stagnant socially and academically despite his zeal and efforts. As a result at the age of almost 25, Murtala had been unable to academically advance beyond post-secondary school levels. He had attempted and failed A-level 3 times where each time he was asked to repeat he refused and switched to another course/school. We, the parents, tried various supports but all diagnosis pointed at autism from birth as the cause of his issues. However, recently we noticed significant, positive and sudden progress on all negative areas mentioned above. Academically he has suddenly found his comprehension and retention, scoring an average of 15-16/20 in his classwork. On short notice from his school, he also has been able to obtain a pass of 172 marks in a computer-based Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (jamb) test. The best students in his catchment are within 180-200 marks. His result is considered to have met the cut-off mark to study arts subject in the university, which has been his dream. Naturally, this has gingered his performance in his current programme and has encouraged us, as his parents, to seek for and obtain admission for him in a Polytechnic to read for a diploma in office management. He is enthusiastic to start.

Socially and emotionally he has become more independent and more outgoing. He no longer sits and broods all alone. An ardent lover of the English league, he is abreast and has up to date status of the league and follows up on important matches in cafes and viewing centres but never at home. He now regularly visits his friends at will and seems to be regaining his self-confidence. Emotionally he has regained control of his temper and mixes well with his siblings at home. Physically he is regaining weight and the bend in his body is straightening. He sleeps well and he is usually up in time for school. We, as parents, are encouraged and very hopeful of the progress observed and are anxious to see him living a normal life and will provide any information required to achieve that.

Thanks to the AIM Programme.
Best regards.

Aminu