Our journey began in September of 2009, when our first child was born- Harper Belle Higgins.  Much to our surprise, our bundle of joy was a sweet baby girl!  From the beginning we knew she was special.  The first grand daughter born to the large "Higgins Clan", we knew she broke the mold from the beginning.  
     Initially we saw her as a hyper sensitive baby- crying often and not quite interested in the things most babies were interested in.  Harper spoke few words initially and was more happy to look at a book or play with the tags on her toys and clothes than she was playing with typical toys.  Soon after we noticed other sensitivities to sounds or textures.  Ordinary, daily tasks like flushing toilets or the sounds on a tv would set her off. 
     Shortly after, we decided to begin research.  We knew it before we formally had a diagnoses.  
As Harper sat in silence and drew an octopus on the large chalkboard in the doctor's office, the doctor formally diagnosed her with High Functioning Autism, or Asperger Syndrome.  It was one month after her 3rd birthday.  We are convinced that this early diagnosis helped us understand how to approach her daily needs and try to help her grow.  Our journey officially began...
     It is a daily journey, some days feeling more like hiking a mountain, while others feel like a "walk in the park". We are grateful for the resources we've come across since then and will continue to need as we help Harper to become a successful and happy adult.  Please join us in helping other families in their journey.