We will be walking on April 8 in honor of our wild child Roman! He is hilarious, stubborn, insanely athletic and has brought us on quite an interesting journey! He likes to keep us on our toes! At the age of two, he was not talking at all, we started home visits with an early childhood special education teacher and speech therapy. His communication began to improve slightly, but there was something more. We began autism evaluations at school and through our pediatrician just before Roman's third birthday. He was diagnosed with autism and we began working with Fraser-Minneapolis in May 2016, as well as our Forest Lake school district (we have amazing teachers and therapists with both). We venture to Minneapolis two times a week for his therapies and he attends school 3 times a week in Forest Lake. The improvements Roman has made with his speech, communication, sensory and coping skills have improved dramatically! Roman loves hockey, swimming, sleep overs and play dates. He is obsessed with the color blue and Paw Patrol! 

Hearing the diagnosis of “autism” begins the journey to see and learn about life from a unique perspective. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 68 children have autism. Thousands of Minnesota families are faced with the challenges of navitaging an autism diagnosis each year.

Fortunately, evidence shows early intervention can result in dramatically positive outcomes. Given the right tools and support, those living with autism can make great strides at any point in their lives. As the largest and most experienced provider of autism services in Minnesota, Fraser can help those with autism and other special needs reach for a bright future.

This April, I will be raising support and awareness for Minnesota families affected by autism at the Fraser Walk for Autism. Your support will help provide life-changing services to thousands of Minnesota families.

Please consider making a gift today! Each dollar makes us one step closer to creating bright futures for children and adults with special needs.