Welcome to Spectrum Spotlights! Each month, we'll introduce you to
people with autism and within the autism community. We hope you enjoy
their stories.
Inspired by the vast and diverse autism community, our new Brighter
Life on the Spectrum campaign features stories of people with autism across the spectrum and throughout the life span.
In this edition of Spectrum Spotlights, you'll meet two stars of
the campaign, each with unique strengths and challenges as a result of
their autism: Scarlett, 4, and Chase, 20. While each has their own
story to share with the world, both share the common bond of having
rock-solid support systems in their families and confident, spirited
personalities which allow them to persevere through anything life
throws their way.
Learn more about Scarlett and Chase in this special double edition of
Spectrum Spotlights.
Get to know Scarlett D: [link removed]
An autism diagnosis can be overwhelming. But with early intervention,
there are no limits to what can be achieved. Scarlett is living proof
of that.
She was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at 17 months old. This
early diagnosis allowed her access to the vital services and resources
that would not only empower her to reach, but easily surpass, all
expectations. It was also her parents' unwillingness to accept
any limitations for their daughter that has helped her to overcome
every obstacle that's come her way.
Today, thanks to daily sessions of physical, occupational and speech
therapy, as well as a dedicated team of teachers, therapists and
aides, this spunky 4-year-old is leaps and bounds ahead of where her
parents were told to expect her to be shortly after her diagnosis.
Her mom, Caitee, recalled one of the lowest points of her
daughter's journey.
"We were recommended a developmental pediatrician, who many
families we know had used. We were in there for 20 minutes before
being told 'not to bother with the hearing tests because
she's never going to talk.' Right to our faces we were
told: 'If she's not talking by now, I wouldn't count
on it.' This doctor made us feel as if our beautiful, perfect,
amazing little girl would never be able to do anything."
"Fast forward to 2019 - she doesn't stop talking! She is
in her second year of Pre-K. She knows her ABCs, numbers, colors,
shapes- you name it - she knows it. If there is ever a thought that
Scarlett cannot or will not achieve something, she immediately proves
everyone wrong. She is a fighter in every sense of the word."
Learn more about Scarlett's journey through the words of her
mom, Caitee.
Tell us about some of the things Scarlett struggles with because of
her autism, and please share some of the areas where she excels.
Scarlett's struggles can vary. She has many sensory issues.
Feeding and different food textures are very scary to Scarlett, so she
goes to feeding therapy twice a week to work on that. She has moments
where large crowds overwhelm her, and sometimes she has a hard time
communicating her wants and needs. But she is showing so much progress
in these areas. She loves animals and numbers and letters. She's
starting to read words. There is no limit to what Scarlett can do!
In your experience, what has life been like as a mom with a child on
the spectrum?
Life as a mom with a child on the spectrum has humbled me. It has made
me more aware, more patient and has pushed me to limits I didn't
know existed. It has brought me to my knees praying that I will live
forever to be able to ensure Scarlett is always taken care of properly
and shown the same amount of love I show her every day. We have good
days and we have bad. There are days where I want to cry locked in the
bathroom because a meltdown has lasted two hours or more. It has made
me a fighter. I push for the absolute best services, the best
providers. I make sure Scarlett gets the best of the best. It has made
me an advocate for my child. It has made me her voice.
How important is early intervention?
Early Intervention is SO IMPORTANT on so many levels. In my opinion,
getting Scarlett the help she needed, as early as we did, changed
everything. It made every word that doctor said irrelevant. It proved
them wrong and helped Scarlett become the amazing, thriving, smart
girl that she is.
What was it like seeing Scarlett star in a national television ad
campaign for Autism Speaks?
It was truly surreal. I've always thought that Scarlett would be
someone who changed the world, showed people that it's ok to be
different. And being picked to be a part of a national ad campaign, it
just proves my thoughts to be true. She is breaking a stigma. She is
changing people's thoughts and minds and does it all by just
being herself. I'm just so proud!
What are five words that best describe your daughter, Scarlett?
Inspiring. Courageous. Smart. Strong-willed. Amazing. She's my
hero.
Get to know Chase T: [link removed]
Chase, 20, is a person of many interests and unique talents.
He's the author and illustrator of "The Letter
Critters" book series, in which he shares his passion for
letters to help children learn to read, is a member of the National
Honor Society, a Special Olympics Global Messenger and gold medalist
and the 2019 recipient of the Connecticut Arts Hero Award. He also has
autism.
Chase was diagnosed when he was 3 ? years old, but his mom,
Helen, recalls having a suspicion that her son was different even
before his diagnosis. Even though it was obvious that Chase was very
intelligent, his lack of social skills and tendency to repeat certain
behaviors was enough to have her and her husband, Alan, seek
professional guidance.
"We knew nothing about autism at that time," says Helen.
"From many conversations with Chase's special education
pre-school teacher about his lack of progression and tendency to
demonstrate different behaviors from the other kids, we began thinking
more about it. She said she didn't believe Chase had an
intellectual disability, but she mentioned the word autism and
suggested we get him evaluated. This wonderful teacher's advice
truly saved us because it gave us the tools to help our son because we
finally had a diagnosis. She is one of Chase's angels."
At the time, finding resources and information about autism was
difficult, but Helen and Alan made it their job to advocate for their
son and to get him the support he needed. They quickly enrolled Chase
in his pre-school's autism-centric special education program,
where he would receive applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy and
other critical services. Thanks to his parents' relentless
advocacy, Chase received every available resource, including Extended
School Year (ESY) services every summer until he graduated high
school. They also made it a point to ensure their son would have the
opportunity to participate in enjoyable activities like therapeutic
horseback riding, gymnastics and art class.
With a team of supporters like his family, teachers and behavioral
therapists, Chase has come a long way since being diagnosed as a
toddler. Even though his personality is one of few words, Chase has
many unique ways of expressing himself. Whether it's through the
creative characters in his books, one of his ear-to-ear smiles or a
concise verbal response, you always know where you stand with Chase
according to his mom.
"Chase makes us so proud every day! He has a pure spirit of
innocence, honesty and sweetness. He is such a unique person and
lovable young man. He is also willing to take on challenges and allows
us to bring him out of his comfort zone and into the world."
Read to learn more about Chase through his own words.
What does being on the autism spectrum mean to you?
Being on a spectrum means I do and see things differently from others.
What struggles have you faced because of your autism? In what areas
has your autism helped you excel?
I have faced struggles like talking to other people in conversations,
being part of a group and focusing on work. My autism helped me excel
by making me very imaginative and creative.
Why is it important to people on the spectrum to advocate for
themselves?
It's important for people on a spectrum to advocate for themselves
because it will help them be social and tell people who they are and
help others to understand us.
What was it like being on set and starring in a national TV ad for
Autism Speaks?
I really liked the people there and liked having the chance to work
with them. It really felt like I was at a real job interview. It was a
great honor to have this opportunity. I'm excited to see the
final product when it airs on television.
If you had one sentence to describe the the world, who Chase is, what
would that sentence read?
I am unique, kindhearted, creative, smart and special.
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