I’m Thankful For You: Our Son’s Teacher

(Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Cindy Heitman and is part of Cooper’s, ‘I’m Thankful For You’ Campaign.)

This December I want to honor and thank our son’s teacher, Shannon Tackes. I am so very grateful for Shannon!

My son, Erik, has non-verbal autism.  Although he can’t speak, he doesn’t have any trouble letting you know what he wants.  Erik is so sweet and his giggle will make you giggle too.  Erik is 6, however, he wasn’t diagnosed until he was 4 1/2 years old.  Because Erik had great eye contact,  was happy and smiley and interacted with others, all of the specialists were convinced it was just a speech delay.

I am so thankful for Erik’s autism teacher, Shannon Tackes.  Shannon is the first professional to see the positive qualities in Erik and not just point out what he can’t do.  So many times I would leave doctor appointments, teacher conferences and IEP meetings feeling defeated.  Like I had just been hit by a truck! Shannon gives me hope!

Shannon works very hard each day with Erik.  When something needs to be changed to help him succeed she is the first person to speak up and make the suggestion.  Erik is learning so much from her.   Shannon even worked with Erik over the summer break so that he wouldn’t regress during the time off!  How amazing is that?

I am so excited that Erik will continue to work with Shannon for three more years!  I can’t wait to see how much he learns and grows because of her!  I am so very grateful for Shannon!

You can still nominate the doctors, therapists, teachers, friends and family that make a difference in your special needs world. Click HERE to learn how!