This year, I will join the entire Eagles organization and thousands of others from the community in participating in the Eagles Autism Challenge. This transformational event is committed to funding innovative autism research and care programs with the goal of advancing scientific breakthroughs. Every dollar of participant-raised funds will go directly towards the Eagles Autism Foundation.
This team is created and in support of all of the AUsome boys and girls, but especially, my little boy, JeQuan Jr., whom we affectionately call "Deuce." JeQuan is four years old. He is smart, handsome, loving, super independent, and determined. He is intuitive and has a very unique learning style. At an early age, one of his aunts, Auntie Jess, named him Little Einstein, because she could see his creativity and astuteness at an early age.
For those that don't know JeQuan, here's a little about his story:
Shortly after JeQuan turned one (1), I realized that he was not communicating or receiving information similar to his peers. He was very much focused on himself, playing alone, and not engaging in pretend play. He was not waving hi and bye, identifying me or his dad by "mama" or "dada", or engaging eye contact. He would grow quickly frustrated when he wanted to communicate a need or want. Even though kids develop at different paces, it was a cause of concern for me. He was evaluated and later, by the age of two (2), he was diagnosed with mixed receptive-expressive language disorder and presents signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
As a parent, this process has been a process. One of the purported joys of parenthood is hearing your little one call your name or give you a gentle kiss on the cheek or a tight little hug or to even utter "I love you" when you least expect it. However, through his journey, I have learned that love is the best language. Despite his limited speech skills, he trained me to love him accordingly through my actions. To create a love for him that exists beyond words. He understands that my arms will forever be his safe space, and his reaction when I hug or hold him, reassures me that I am doing the best job as a mother. And through his hard work in speech therapy, he has made valuable progress and I hear the words "mommy" every day and even a "I love you" every now and then. <3
Even with his progress, there is more work to do. I still work daily to overcome the fear of my child being treated differently in social and educational settings; the anxiety of throwing off his routines once he's become stable to minimize his overstimulation; and educating myself on the resources available to best assist him live a full life.
Autism affects each person differently, so no two plans of action are the same. This cause goes to supporting medical and scientific research to continue to unlock the unknowns of Autism. With your support, financially or symbolically, can assist little boys, like JeQuan, to receive the proper support that they need to grow and flourish beyond measure. For those that have always support my baby boy, I thank you so much. Your generosity, kindness, and love has never gone unnoticed. For those that would like to join JeQuan's Ausome Angels, we welcome you and thank you in advance!
With Love,
JeQuan's Mommy and #1 Fan, Nicole
