Benjamin is 10 years old and just like any other typical child he loves to be outside, explore nature, learn about animals and eat! Benjamin comes from a big family, with eleven siblings! He was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and just earlier this year diagnosed with Autism. The Autism Diagnosis gave his parents clarity and answers to some of Benjamin’s behaviors as well as giving them a direction to help him succeed in life.
Coming from a big family and being the third child to be diagnosed with Autism had Benjamin’s parents, Karen and Andrew, feeling overwhelmed. Karen says, “His Autism is very different from his younger brothers, but yet similar in many ways.”
Benjamin came to live with Karen and Andrew when he was six years old. He started receiving services at Easter Seals in 2015. He currently receives Speech Therapy and starts Occupational Therapy this summer.
Benjamin’s biggest struggle right now is communication. He currently struggles to come up with words to fit into his sentences. In therapy, he works on having typical conversations and asking questions to learn about someone else’s day, their hobbies and what they like or dislike; asking questions such as, “How was your day?” The hard work doesn’t end once his therapy session is over. His therapists gives him skills to practice at home, sometimes it takes him a while but he works hard to form a question to ask a sibling or his parents.
Benjamin’s family can definitely feel overwhelmed at times, but having Easter Seal’s therapists help navigate through each challenge gives them hope. Benjamin is working so hard to achieve his milestones. This is what makes Benjamin a Champion of his own abilities.
Fun facts about Benjamin from Karen:
Benjamin loves sharks! When he grows up he wants to be a shark trainer. He is going to train sharks to be gentle and safe pets. He is so excited to do this so everyone can have a pet shark!
Coming from a big family and being the third child to be diagnosed with Autism had Benjamin’s parents, Karen and Andrew, feeling overwhelmed. Karen says, “His Autism is very different from his younger brothers, but yet similar in many ways.”
Benjamin came to live with Karen and Andrew when he was six years old. He started receiving services at Easter Seals in 2015. He currently receives Speech Therapy and starts Occupational Therapy this summer.
Benjamin’s biggest struggle right now is communication. He currently struggles to come up with words to fit into his sentences. In therapy, he works on having typical conversations and asking questions to learn about someone else’s day, their hobbies and what they like or dislike; asking questions such as, “How was your day?” The hard work doesn’t end once his therapy session is over. His therapists gives him skills to practice at home, sometimes it takes him a while but he works hard to form a question to ask a sibling or his parents.
Benjamin’s family can definitely feel overwhelmed at times, but having Easter Seal’s therapists help navigate through each challenge gives them hope. Benjamin is working so hard to achieve his milestones. This is what makes Benjamin a Champion of his own abilities.
Fun facts about Benjamin from Karen:
Benjamin loves sharks! When he grows up he wants to be a shark trainer. He is going to train sharks to be gentle and safe pets. He is so excited to do this so everyone can have a pet shark!