I’m Thankful For You: My Son’s Village
(Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Nikki Wallace and is part of Cooper’s, ‘I’m Thankful For You’ Campaign.)
This December I am honoring and thanking my son’s mighty village. I have so many people that I am grateful for that I don’t even know where to start.
First, I want to thank my son’s aide Mrs. Angie Flint. She has been with us for two years now and she is like a second mom to my nonverbal six year old. When he is with her I never have to worry. Second and third, I want to thank his Speech Therapist, Ms. Monica, and his Occupational Therapist, Julie Hammer. Fourth, I want to thank Aydan’s dad. He came into our lives when Aydan was an infant, and has stood by me during the darkest and hardest times of this journey, even when I thought I could do it all alone. And I am also grateful for you my friend. You gave me the hope and strength to fight for Aydan and to be his voice until we find his.
Aydan and Angie
And many, many, others. I am so thankful to our little village. It may be small, but it is mighty.
When Aydan was almost four, I realized I couldn’t keep putting off getting him evaluated. We still had no words. Not one word. And I held onto the thought that he was just a “late talker” so fiercely. It was all I had. I got so offended when a family member mentioned ‘autism.’ I had never heard the word, and like you Kate, have never known anyone to not speak.
So, I went to our local school district, made the appointment, had the appointment, got the diagnoses, and went home.
Aydan started early intervention at about age 4 – 4 1/2, and then pre K and Kindergarten with his aide, Angie Flint. I cannot say enough great things about her. Aydan loves her so much. She has the patience of a saint. I know how difficult my child can be and I am so thankful she has stuck by us. She understands his nonverbal communication, and his little quirks, just like I do, and that puts my mind at ease a bit knowing that he is OK when I’m not around.
Aydan and Angie
This year in Kindergarten, he has really came out of his shell. He is doing fantastic! He is interacting with his peers, matching colors, following directions. Although nonverbal, these past few months we have been hearing more words! I am forever grateful to his team. Aydans team consists of his one on one aide Angie, his speech therapist Monica, his occupational therapist Ms. Julie, and his two teachers Ms. Manley and Mr. Smith.
I still feel like a beginner in this autism journey and you Kate have been the one to help me in EVERY aspect of raising a special needs child. The highs and the lows. I can never thank you enough.
Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter.
