Autism/Anniversary Fundraiser

Christina

An evaluation showed that Christina had a sensory disorder, speech, and developmental delays. A team of therapists realized that Christina would most benefit from special instruction. 

At just over two years old, Christina began weekly therapy sessions with Susan at Christina’s house. Susan first helped Christina communicate using sign language and later progressed to words and sentences! Susan also helped Christina’s mom, Maria. “Having Susan come to our house has made a huge difference in Christina’s growth. She was comfortable, and I was able to see what they were doing,” Maria said. 

Christina’s developmental growth was profound. After only eight months in the program, Christina is speaking in simple sentences, can play with her siblings, comprehend and follow instructions. Now, at three years old, she attends a half-day preschool with typically developing children. She can play with and talk to them. 

Ethan

Imagine the excitement of welcoming the birth of a child into your life. Ethan’s mom and dad patiently watched and anticipated each important developmental milestone. When at 18 months, Ethan still had not said his first words, his parents started getting very anxious. 

Mom confided her concerns to a friend and her friend told her about our Easterseals North Georgia Early Intervention Program.  Ethan began receiving Speech Therapy from one of our Pediatric Specialists, Mary Ann. Mary Ann worked with Ethan, his mom and dad in their home, providing tips for the family to use to improve Ethan’s attention and self-regulation while also encouraging Ethan’s language development.

When Ethan spoke his first word, Mama, it was music to her ears. Both his mom and therapist were tearful, but Ethan just grinned at his accomplishment and gave mom a big bear hug. 

Now, there is no stopping Ethan. He is speaking in full sentences to everyone who will listen. Your generosity allowed him to develop his language and now he is in preschool and is a star student. This is what happens when a Champion, like you, believes in the genius in every child!

Luke

When Luke’s Mom Christine entered Easterseals Early Intervention services, she wanted speech therapy for her son. Her service coordinator asked her to try the PLAY Project first.  She was not happy and did not see how this could be helpful. After the first few sessions, however, Christine understood. Language-communication is not just about words. It is about the nuance of negotiating a relationship. It is about engagement, reciprocity. It is about shared enjoyment.

These terms may be tossed about by professionals all the time, but what do they mean? To Christine, it means that Luke doesn’t just find joy watching trains pass by. He looks to Mom, to the train, and back to Mom. He is inviting her into his enjoyment. They smile together. They share the excitement together. Luke seeks out interaction, where before he tried to avoid it.

Christine can connect with the little boy inside, he is no longer far away.  Words are finally starting to appear: "Mom," "train," "car." Luke is trying to repeat words and label objects around the house. He looks to Mom for approval and when she claps for him, he beams the biggest smile. 

Easterseals North Georgia makes a difference in children like Luke at a young age.  Differences that last a lifetime.  Luke participates in: The PLAY Project and is based on Dr. Stanley’s DIR Floortime.