Molly's autism journey began in August 2019 when she was referred to, evaluated, and diagnosed at Fraser. The psychologist who tested Molly recommended 3 options for her: Option 1. Intense, in-person, 1-on-1 direct therapy for several hours, 2-3 days/week. Option 2: Toddler preschool at Fraser where she would have a 1-on-1 teacher in a classroom with several peers, 4 hours/day, 4 days/week. Option 3: Private occupational and speech therapy services. We chose option 3, with the intention to move to option 2 after Molly's brother was born. However, her mom's recovery was more substantial, and that did not pan out.
Fast forward to today, Molly receives Early Intervention Services from our school district 4x/month. She also goes to private occupational and speech therapy 2x/weekly. She has made a lot of progress in a short amount of time! She is assisting with dressing, curious about how others are feeling, babbling as well as imitating sounds, matching colors, and starting to label body parts. Molly is also comfortable using a trampoline and swinging on a traditional playground swing. She will be starting Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) preschool this fall.
All of this progress could not have been possible without the support of her family and friends, therapists (including teachers), and daycare providers. Your knowledge, skills, and love have helped her to grow and learn, and for us to support her better! Thank you!
Information from Fraser:
Hearing the diagnosis of autism begins the journey to see and learn about life from a unique perspective. According to the CDC, 1 in 59 children has autism. Thousands of Minnesota families are faced with the challenges of navigating an autism diagnosis each year.
Fortunately, evidence shows early intervention can result in dramatically positive outcomes. Given the right tools and support, people 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 individuals with autism and other special needs reach for a bright future.
This August, we 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 these Minnesota families.
Please consider joining me and making a gift today! Each dollar moves us one step closer to realizing a future where all individuals have the equal opportunity to live, work, learn and play as members of our community.