Maddie is on the Autistic Spectrum. She amazes me each and every day by her tenacity, her empathetic manner where she wants everyone to succeed, and her perseverance. Even though it is a daily struggle to stand up for herself, speak out, and navigate the social world, she does it with grace. She struggles on the inside yet doesn't show it on the outside.
Maddie has always been a hard worker and one to never give up. She accepts challenges, although not always with a smile. She continues to put herself out there and be better than the day before. She is leaving for college...a world that is so different. She knows that she will need to be an advocate for herself and do everything on her own. That's scary for a lot of people I know.
I believe that she will be successful and accomplish this feat with style and grace. Music is her outlet...I hope she enjoys it just as much as a music major. Please listen to her sing. She put 10 different languages together and turned the song "Let It Go" into a lingual work of art. I am so proud of all that she has accomplished.
http://youtu.be/MfHyAe7i2ew
Elk Grove, CA