Though these are challenging times for our community and so many
others, we plan to continue to share the stories of people with autism
and their families through Spectrum Spotlights and other content. We
hope these will offer a look into the many diverse perspectives in our
community, and provide inspiring and uplifting stories when we need it
most.

Meet Kaitlyn Y.

Each morning Kaitlyn hops in the car with her mom, Julie, to head to
their do-it-yourself craft studio franchise that offers individual and
group classes to create the latest on-trend designs on customizable
decor accessories.

Diagnosed with autism at age three, working alongside her mom enables
Kaitlyn to experience life in the workforce and take on more
responsibilities as she navigates the transition to adulthood. It also
allows her to combine two of her favorite things: crafting and making
people smile. Seventeen years ago, her parents weren't sure what
the future would hold for their daughter. Her father, Greg, said he
and his wife vowed to do everything in their power to provide their
daughters the guidance and resources to reach their fullest potential.

Today, Kaitlyn, who lives with her family outside of St. Louis, still
faces significant challenges and needs around-the-clock care, but
she's consistently breaking barriers thanks to services that
began shortly after she was diagnosed and continue to this day. Her
sister, Alyson, 23, is earning her doctorate in occupational therapy
at Boston University with the goal to one day positively impact the
lives of people just like her sister.

"We are action people. The minute Kaitlyn was diagnosed, the
wheels were in motion and we were figuring out all of the ways we
could help," said Greg. "The result was 40 hours per week
of applied behavior analysis (ABA), occupational and physical
therapies, developmental therapy and even music therapy. She also has
severe food allergies, so that was another hurdle to clear. But we
always had the mindset of doing whatever it takes to ensure she is
living her life to the fullest."

Learn about Kaitlyn through her own words in this edition of Spectrum Spotlights: [link removed]

At what age were you diagnosed with autism?

When I was three.

When did you realize what it meant to be on the spectrum?

When I was 10.

How did that realization impact your life?

I realized I was smart.

How does your autism make you unique?

I like to listen to music.

What struggles have you faced as a result of your autism?

Listening skills.

In what areas has autism helped you excel?

I am super friendly.

What is your proudest moment?

Getting to work with my mom at our shop.

What brings you the most joy in life?

My family.

If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?
Why?

Chicago, to see my aunt and uncle and their dogs.

Who are your biggest supporters & how have they touched your
life?

My sister, Alyson. Ann Deddens (my tutor). Jesse (my job coach). Mike
Darling (my gymnastics coach). Nancy Itzkowitz (my personal trainer).
Ashlee (my ABA Therapist). They all help me to be more independent.

Best advice you can give to someone recently diagnosed with autism?

Listen to your parents.

What are the five words that best describe you?

Nice. Music. Toys. Computer. Happy.

Spectrum Spotlights - Meet Kaitlyn Y.

Learn more about Kaitlyn from her parents, Greg and Julie.

In your experience, how important is early intervention?

Critical. Kaitlyn was diagnosed just before she was three but was
already receiving services.

Did you realize something was different about Kaitlyn before her
diagnosis?

Yes. At Kaitlyn's first birthday party we noticed she was not
doing the same things that her peers were doing that were her age. We
mentioned it to her pediatrician and got her involved with first steps
by the time she was 15 months old.

Tell us about some of the things Kaitlyn struggles with as a result
of her ASD.

Awareness of her surroundings, no sense of danger, significant
developmental delays, inability for self-care, difficulty with problem
solving, etc. She also gets stressed when her schedule changes or
becomes unpredictable.

Please share some of the things at which she excels.

Making people smile, starting conversations, memorization, she works
very hard, she loves to interact with people, she is great on a
computer, has a strong work ethic, tries her best and is eager to
please.

What makes you most proud of Kaitlyn?

Her constant happiness and her drive and determination to accomplish
tasks she puts her mind to. We are proud to have her work with her mom
at our local business and see the pride she takes in her work.

What is one piece of advice you can give other parents who have a
child/children on the spectrum?

Build a village of people that will help support you and your child.
We have been so fortunate to have amazing professionals guide us
through this journey. We have learned so much and have met the most
amazing people that have become like family to us. Also, connect with
other families that can share in your experiences and give you helpful
advice.

How has Kaitlyn's relationship with her sister, Alyson, played
a part in her progress?

Kaitlyn and Alyson have a beautiful relationship. They are extremely
close and bring out the best in each other. Alyson learned patience
from Kaitlyn and learned to be flexible. Kaitlyn learned trust from
Alyson. She knows that Alyson will always look out for her and help
her live her best life. Alyson is getting her doctorate in
Occupational Therapy and she attributes it to watching the OTs
[occupational therapists] interact with Kaitlyn and the impact they
made.

What comes to mind when you think about all of the years
participating in the autism speaks walk?

We have been involved with Autism Speaks since its inception. The
walk is something we look forward to every year. The families we have
met through Autism Speaks have inspired us and given us so much hope.
It is amazing to be surrounded by friends and families that share,
support and understand your child and family circumstances. We have
learned about so many resources from other families and the resource
fair at the walk. I will never forget at one of the first walks we
attended, Kaitlyn was standing in front of a bounce house, she looked
at me and said, "It's a party for me."

What are five words that best describe Kaitlyn?

Hilarious, smart (she has an unbelievable memory), loving, friendly
and sensitive.




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