Max is four years old and just like any typical four-year- old, he loves to swing, be outside, blow bubbles, jump and play. Max is very loved by his family and brings a lot of joy to his parents’ lives. He was diagnosed very early in life with autism, global developmental delays and sensory processing disorder.
All of these things sound confusing, overwhelming and downright scary. Max’s mom, Katelynn, says: “When Max was first diagnosed we felt very lost and somewhat alienated. We were scared because we did not know what to do. None of the parenting books mention stuff like this.”
Max started receiving services from Easter Seals when he was one year old and through these services and interactions, Max and his family were able to understand each other and Max’s diagnosis better. Max has received speech, occupational, developmental and feeding therapy throughout his time with Easter Seals.
There are many struggles related to Max’s needs. The Garman family is unable to do many of the things most families do together because they are unfamiliar and scary for Max. Things like going to restaurants or playing on public playgrounds are difficult – especially if it is out of Max’s daily routine. He becomes nervous or anxious and this can lead to tantrums that are difficult to control. Max is frustrated with not being able to communicate his needs and cannot always find the best way to express himself.
When the Garman family began their journey with Easter Seals Max had minimal interactions with anything or anyone… he didn’t play with toys or other people and he couldn’t communicate in any way other than to cry. Through hard work with his therapists at Easter Seals, Max began to understand ways to play and interact that was comfortable for him. He also began using cards and signs to communicate his basic wants and needs.
It’s been a long road for the Garman’s but being able to communicate, even just a little, with the people around him has been Max’s greatest accomplishment through his work with Easter Seals. This is what makes Max a Champion of his own abilities.
Funny story about Max from Katelynn:
Max’s teacher once forgot to change the visual schedule he uses to establish routine from one activity to the next. The teacher reported that Max stood in front of his chair and made noises at her, trying to get her attention. When the teacher understood what the problem way and made an adjustment to the schedule, Max gave her an approving look and sat back down in his chair. And that is the bossiest non-verbal 4-year-old you will ever meet.
All of these things sound confusing, overwhelming and downright scary. Max’s mom, Katelynn, says: “When Max was first diagnosed we felt very lost and somewhat alienated. We were scared because we did not know what to do. None of the parenting books mention stuff like this.”
Max started receiving services from Easter Seals when he was one year old and through these services and interactions, Max and his family were able to understand each other and Max’s diagnosis better. Max has received speech, occupational, developmental and feeding therapy throughout his time with Easter Seals.
There are many struggles related to Max’s needs. The Garman family is unable to do many of the things most families do together because they are unfamiliar and scary for Max. Things like going to restaurants or playing on public playgrounds are difficult – especially if it is out of Max’s daily routine. He becomes nervous or anxious and this can lead to tantrums that are difficult to control. Max is frustrated with not being able to communicate his needs and cannot always find the best way to express himself.
When the Garman family began their journey with Easter Seals Max had minimal interactions with anything or anyone… he didn’t play with toys or other people and he couldn’t communicate in any way other than to cry. Through hard work with his therapists at Easter Seals, Max began to understand ways to play and interact that was comfortable for him. He also began using cards and signs to communicate his basic wants and needs.
It’s been a long road for the Garman’s but being able to communicate, even just a little, with the people around him has been Max’s greatest accomplishment through his work with Easter Seals. This is what makes Max a Champion of his own abilities.
Funny story about Max from Katelynn:
Max’s teacher once forgot to change the visual schedule he uses to establish routine from one activity to the next. The teacher reported that Max stood in front of his chair and made noises at her, trying to get her attention. When the teacher understood what the problem way and made an adjustment to the schedule, Max gave her an approving look and sat back down in his chair. And that is the bossiest non-verbal 4-year-old you will ever meet.