Hey There
Welcome to J Steppin' 4 Autism, where raising awareness and promoting acceptance of those with autism is our focus and thanks for taking a moment to learn a little about me!
Allow Me to Introduce Myself!
I was diagnosed nonverbal with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the age of 2 1/2. I was a healthy baby and appeared to meet my developmental milestones early. I sat up by myself when I was just 4 months old (which scared my Mommy a little bit lol), I started taking steps when I was 8 months and was fully walking a month later, and apparently I liked to talk because I babbled a lot! However, my parents noticed that I didn't respond when they called my name. They took me to my pediatrician because they thought I couldn't hear. She said I was just ignoring them....apparently when she said my name, I looked at her. At my two year check up, my mom told my doctor that she was concerned that I stopped babbling and was not saying any words yet. My pediatrician recommended speech therapy but also wanted me to be evaluated for ASD. Six months later, we underwent assessments for developmental delays with Mercy Autism Center & my neurodevelopmental disabilities neurologist (that is a long title) had me continue speech but also told my mom to get me into Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, therapy.
I must say that I have made, and continue to make, tremendous progress since we started this journey & although I’m still non-verbal, Mommy & I started learning sign language when I was 3 yrs old so that I can communicate certain words & requests. I even got a AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) Device when I was 4 yrs old which helps me express what I need & want to my mommy and daddy, as well as my teachers. I really like watching the news (yes the news) and I am obsessed with numbers; I even listen to them in other languages on my iPad or my mommy's phone. I love letters, music, & bouncing on my yoga ball!
I started 1st grade in 2024, my first time in a traditional school because I was in ABA therapy full time even during the summer. At school, I’m learning so much and my teachers are so patient and kind. They want to see me do my best which makes my parents happy. My peers are nice and understand that I communicate differently.
Now that you know a little more about me, I want to formally welcome you to J Steppin' 4 Autism. – a charity organization that my mom started. We are committed to raising awareness and educating our community about autism, while promoting understanding and acceptance for all individuals on the spectrum. We invite you to participate in our annual fun walk in April and Jaxson's Give the Gift of Play, a Christmas toy drive, where we collect brand new toys to benefit children with autism.
I look forward to you joining me on my journey. Together, we can make a difference and foster a more inclusive world!
