“We tell ourselves constantly that we need to celebrate the small things and watch for the little victories. It is constantly two or three steps forward, five or ten backwards. But, now that we have the education, the resources, and new skills and understanding, it makes it easier.”
Much like other children her age, Leah loves Minnie Mouse and Peppa Pig. She loves to ride her bike, swing at the park, and go on walks with her family. She loves singing and going to school and gives BIG bear hugs. Leah’s big smile and infectious laugh brightens the days of her therapists at Easterseals.
Leah joined Tim and Amanda’s family in March of 2020. Amanda, a former teacher, started noticing developmental differences between Leah and their other children. An evaluation at Easterseals provided the answers they were looking for. Leah was diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder and Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). “Receiving her diagnosis, although hard to hear, validated what we had been seeing for over a year,” said Amanda. “Sometimes it may look as though she is having a tantrum or misbehaving, when in reality her cup is overflowing or she is overwhelmed and therefore loses control.”
Raising a child with Autism isn’t easy. There’s stress, worry, exhaustion, but also an enduring love that helps families keep going. And thanks to donors like you, there’s Easterseals of Central Illinois.
Thanks to support from generous donors like you, Leah has been receiving occupational therapy, physical therapy and behavioral counseling at Easterseals in Bloomington-Normal. She has begun to learn empathy and has made strides towards understanding emotions in herself and in others. She is more aware of her own surroundings and her place in relation to the environment she is in. Leah has also learned how to use her imagination and play with others.
“We tell ourselves constantly that we need to celebrate the small things and watch for the little victories. It is constantly two or three steps forward, five or ten backwards. But, now that we have the education, the resources, and new skills and understanding, it makes it easier.”