There are many reasons why I run for Autism....
Years ago, when I first started as an ASD (Autism Spectruum Disorder) paraprofessionals, I would have said my students. I mean these children are incredible. Their neurodivergent brains are something to be celebrated. I experienced an extremely moving and humbling experience as an ASD para, assisting one of my first students to communicate with teachers around him using PECS.
Few years after that I'd continue to say my students as I became the Autism Spectruum Disorder teacher. I remember interviewing for an Autism Spectruum Disorder Teacher position that opened up at the school that I already worked at. I discussed how I loved my SPED position that I was currently in, but always felt like something was missing The peice that was missing is that I was no longer working with children on the Spectruum. These children, every single one of them, in their own individual way, made me a better person, teacher, mother and community member. I distinctly remember sharing in the interview that I was a runner. I went on to explain that when I felt like I just couldn't take one more step, I would think of the students I worked with in the past, which always gave me the strength to keep putting one foot in front of the other until passing that finish line!
Lastly, I am lucky enough to be running not only for my students that I continue to work with, family friends who have children on the Spectruum, but also my son, my first born, my Henry George (7). Henry is a joy, has wondeful character and brings such happiness to those who he surronds himself with! I mean c'mon, he just ROCKED his very first play performance as a "Lost Boy" a role that was so fitting for him. I often call him my little Mowgli! Yes, we've had plenty of struggles and still continue to on this adventure that Autism brings. But we take one day at a time and continue to ride this adventure alongside Henry, supporting him the best way possible. However, as he's gotten older, is that there isn't necessarily experiences available to children on the spectruum as there would be for a nuerotypical child. I believe every child on the spectruum deserves to experience activities, sports, festivals, life experiences as much as anyone else on this planet regardless of what supports will be needed or what it may look like when participating. That is why I have chosen to raise money for The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism as this is one thing the Foundation brings to families and children on the spectruum.
Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism
"Helping/Empowering people affected by autism life life to the fullest."