The Marino family’s fight against autism

Former Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino is one of the most successful football players in NFL history. He says his most rewarding experience has been his life with his family: His wife, Claire, and six children, two of whom are adopted from China. He also managed to turn a family struggle into a program that has helped thousands of children. “Today” host Katie Couric has the story of the Marino family’s struggle with autism.

Sixteen-year-old Michael Marino is a chip off the old block. The son of former Miami Dolphin quarterback Dan Marino, Michael is a junior at Broward Preparatory High School in Florida.

But his parents, Dan and Claire, were concerned early on when they noticed some delays in his development.

Dan Marino: At first we thought what an incredible baby we had, because we remember when he was 1-1/2 years old, we put him in his crib, and he wouldn't cry. 

Claire Marino: He never really started with the sounds to say "Mama, Dada," or "water, juice," anything.  I had actually talked to the doctor about it, the pediatrician, but he said, "Oh, you know, he's a boy, they're late bloomers. Don't worry about it."

But Claire and Dan decided to get Michael into a program for children with developmental delays. 

Couric: At 2 [years of age] Michael was diagnosed officially as autistic. Do you remember what that was like for the two of you?

Claire Marino: I didn't even know what it was. The doctor said "autism" and I said, "Oh, OK." I just sort of listened to him. You don't know what to expect in the future.  So it's very overwhelming. 

Dan Marino: Just to find out what it is, and the shock of [not knowing] what your son's going to be like.  Then you go right to, well, we're going to do whatever we can.

Couric: Michael, your Mom and Dad describe you as a toddler as somebody who had a hard time communicating, and not talking.  Do you remember wanting to talk and for whatever reason not being able to do it?

Michael Marino: It was kind of like I was frustrated. Like I really wanted to say something, like "cup," so I could get a drink, but I couldn't say it.

Couric: But you were thinking it.

Michael Marino: Yeah, I was thinking it.  Then I'd be like, "Mom, Mom … the cup.”

Michael began receiving intensive therapy from speech therapist Sue Cabbot.

The number of U.S. children diagnosed with autism has skyrocketed in the past decade. As families struggle to cope with the disorder, MSNBC and NBC News look at the issues surrounding autism, the theories behind the increase and the latest treatments. Click here for more.

Sue Cabbot: When I first met Michael, it was pretty clear to me that he had autism.  He was pretty socially unaware. He was not communicative. Very self absorbed.

We showed the video of Michael's early therapy to the Marinos.

Couric:  Does it bring back memories of what you were going through?

Dan Marino: Oh, well, it brings back for me how well he's doing now …

Claire Marino: That's right.

Dan Marino:  … and what a miracle it's been and how all of this has helped so much.

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