In the past 10 months, Steven Demos, 6, has learned a lot. Like how to get juice from the fridge and eat with a spoon.

This is what progress looks like when your precious child is diagnosed with autism, a neurological disorder that severely affects a child's ability to communicate and learn.

But the best thing that's changed in Steven's life today is words. He can say a few now.

"He's starting to speak," says Steven's mother, Linda Demos of North Miami Beach. "The other day, he said, `Mama, I love you,' and I almost fell over. I never thought I'd hear him say those words."

Demos is thrilled and credits extensive therapy with her son's progress. But she still believes what happened to her son wasn't inevitable.

Earlier this year, Steven became part of a lawsuit against the nation's major vaccine manufacturers. Demos and her husband, Nick, believe his autism is linked to vaccinations containing mercury. So do hundreds of other parents around the country who are also suing.

But earlier this month, Republicans added a last-minute provision in the homeland-security bill that blocks efforts to sue vaccine manufacturers. Nonetheless, Demos and her attorney aren't giving up.

"We're going to continue," says Roberto Villasante, a Miami attorney who's leading a large contingent of lawyers in the vaccine suits. "We're not discouraged."

Meanwhile, Demos concentrates on building a life for "my sweet angel." Progress may be measured in baby steps, but at least it's progress.

"I don't have the fear I once had," Demos says. "If I could handle him at his worst, then I can handle the future."

Liz Doup can be reached at ldoup@sun-sentinel.com or 954-356-4722.