A MESSAGE FROM Kevin
1 in 57 children currently will be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD) per 2018 studies. 2014 numbers show boys are 1:37, and girls are 1:151. Let that soak in. 1 in 57!!
Our son, Clarke, was diagnosed on July 9, 2018 with childhood autism spectrum disorder. He was 20 months old, the current average age for diagnosis is 4 years old (48 months). We saw a difference in Clarke much earlier but knew there was more to it around the one year mark. It’s a process to get an evaluation and a diagnosis for many children. Waiting lists for developmental pediatricians are long, wasting precious educational time for these children.
Even when expecting the diagnosis, when someone tells you for the first time that your child has autism, it’s emotional. But we were very lucky to leave that same visit with a plan in place. AJ Drexel Autism Institute diagnosed Clarke and is currently proving Clarke the majority of his treatment along with Montgomery County’s early intervention which provides a couple hours/week. We are extremely greatful for this treatment he is receiving and the strides he makes everyday.
We have the most amazing son in the world and he (and his sister) make us smile every day. We are so blessed to have such amazing children. Clarke (and Kennedy) are perfect. (Please don’t tell us you are “sorry” for us!)
AJ Drexel Autism Institute and the staff have been amazing. They provide family support and Clarke hours of therapy in our home. Clarke is ecstatic to see his teachers, including Miss Molly, Miss TaraLee and Miss Alyssa who come regularly but we have met many with AJ Drexel, and love them all. He can’t wait to get to his room for “school” as we call it. The bond they have formed is amazing. AJ Drexel Autism Institute also provides sessions to us, his parents (and other family members that want to attend), to help us learn the best ways to teach Clarke and deal with issues/concerns. We would be lost without them. We look forward to our coffee dates with Kaleen!
Progress is slow and full of effort for all of us. We work for weeks/months on things that come natural to neurotypical children- such as eye contact. We had to work to have our son look at us. We are so proud of his growing eye contact and desire to include us in his play. These are HUGE steps! We continue to have to work hard on this. He recently has started TALKING and we could not be prouder! He amazes us with his progress. He has recently started with TWO-FOUR WORD SENTENCES!!.. but of course we want more. We want increased verbal language. We look forward to the continued progress, and hope and pray for a day when he can converse normally with us. Language is only one part of his development that is different, but it’s often the most noticeable.
On May 18, 2019, We will join thousands of others from the community to ride, run or walk in the Eagles Autism Challenge. This event is dedicated to raising funds for innovative research and programs to address the complex issues presented by the condition of autism. By providing the necessary resources to thought leaders, we can advance scientific breakthroughs. All participant-raised funds, 100 %, will go directly towards autism research and/or programs at beneficiary partners (Including AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Clarke’s program), as together we shift from autism awareness to action. I hope you will consider making a donation towards my fundraising goal to help transform the lives of those affected by autism today and tomorrow (Including our “buddy boopa” Clarkey)!
Thank you!
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