Oh I so needed to read this today. Nate is 3.5 years. He tries to talk but just cant. He has a handful of words but understands so much more. I love him so very much and my other little angel on the spectrum - Nate's younger brother Noah. Noah is verbal and much higher functioning. They are both exceptionally bright. I hope and pray their talents ease the passage through life's channels. Take care, Carolyn R.