Leo's story is quite the extraordinary one. It started when he was around 15 months. I noticed that he was not hitting milestones that other kids his age were: pointing, speaking any words, expressing needs, making eye contact, greeting others with eyes or hand gestures, and even eating food in respect to variety, texture, proper use of utensils. Transitioning between activities became extremely difficult especially when he would/could not tell me what was wrong. But he was so special and amazing at the same time. He could arrange the alphabet and numbers in order before he was 2. He could recognize all shapes and colors. He even taught himself how to play the piano by ear. His first treatment was through the county where he had weekly home visits for speech and occupational therapy. These visits were only once a week for an hour, which we felt was not enough. We felt we were not getting enough information or time to help learn how Leo learns. He underwent hearing tests and ear tube placements in hopes that it was just a hearing problem. There was no progress after the surgery. The school referred us to getting an autism evaluation, so we checked around. So many schools to choose from, and the local ones closest to us had a 3 month waiting list. After a long search, we finally landed an eval at Fraser in Eagan and Leo was officially diagnosed 1 month before his 3rd birthday and after another long wait for an opening, he started day treatment at the Minneapolis location.

Since Leo has started at the school, we have seen amazing things. Not a day goes by that he amazes us. I can't thank this organization and therapists enough for their help in learning how Leo learns. He now points, makes better eye contact, can form 4-5 words sentences, takes turns, follows directions and is interacting better with his peers. We are still working on him expressing needs, as most of his communication is repeating what others say to him. But that is what makes this school so valuable and important to Leo, his family and many other children affected by ASD.

Your donation means the world to us, as I could not pick a better organization. 100% of the donations go directly to the school. Your support through events like the Fraser Walk for Autism will help sustain their current programs, and more importantly, help expand their services for children, adults and families affected by autism. The crucial funds raised through this event help bring them closer to the goal that no family should have to travel more than 35 minutes or 35 miles to receive the life changing services Fraser provides.

Thank you for your participation and or donation. It means so much to our family!