Our son Robbie started receiving services for Autism at age three, he's 18 today. We went through ups and downs over the years. Behavior problems based mostly on his frustration of trying to fit in a world that is not always friendly to kids with autism. Especially when trying to learn and fit in at school. Many of his teachers focused on what he couldn't do and my husband and I spent many years fighting for him for everything. Thankfully we had the help of our families behind us. Especially his grandpa, who attends almost every CSE meeting.
Finally in 8th grade he ended up with a special group of teachers and also decided to join the track team. In addition he saw an autism specialist, Michael Powers, who did extensive testing and reporting on Robbie's strengths and weaknesses and what would help him succeed. We were able to use this 14 page report to help guide his school. His grades literally soared. Fast forward to today and he'll be a senior in Sept. He runs Cross Country, Winter, and Spring track as well as 5k races all over our area. He can run a 5k in aprox 18 minutes. He made many wonderful friends that way. He also has made the high honor roll almost every semester since 8th grade and has passed every Regents exam (we live in NY) that teachers never thought he was capable of passing.
His work ethic, determination, and overall attitude inspire us every single day. Anything he sets his mind to do he accomplishes. He's served as an example to his younger non autistic brother and sister. We are so proud of him and truly blessed. The picture included is of Robbie and his dad both winning trophies in a local 5k in this past spring. Robbie is the tall one. :)
Wappingers Falls, NY
