PW/AUTISM 1/24/01 MATTHEW'S CENTER MANASSAS, VA BY: MARGARET

PW/AUTISM 1/24/01 MATTHEW'S CENTER MANASSAS, VA BY: MARGARET THOMAS TWP Laurie Heilman's dream came true when Matthew's Center, named for her son who suffers from autism, opened last September. Using the Picture Exchange Communication System or PECS, autistic and/or mentally retarded children are taught to express themselves though work and rewards. For instance, when a child wants a cup of water or food, they are taught to give their teacher a picture of the desired item. They are also taught life skills that will hopefully enable them to function in society as adults such as washing dishes, setting the table and dressing themselves. Even simple tasks as eating can cause problems. Matthew Jenkins, 7 1/2, lived with a feeding tube in his stomach until last May and now must learn to tolerate food in his mouth and swallow. When any child performs a task teachers chorus, ' Good job!' Matthew Jenkins flaps his hands with pleasure after an interaction with a computer program. (Photo by Margaret Thomas/The The Washington Post via Getty Images)