Why We Support Children With Autism & Why You Should Donate $10 Today
April is Autism Awareness Month and since so many children are impacted by this lifelong condition, Stars Within Reach wanted to do something to help. We heard about the Center for Autism and all that is does to help provide medical treatment for children living with autism. They also told us about an after-school program that they offer called the Social Competency Program AND we knew immediately that Stars Within Reach wanted to help!
This program helps provide educational assistance to children living with autism! Below you will find just one of the many stories that touched us as we learned more about this program.This is why we support efforts to help those living with Autism and this is why our Star Partner Jrue Holiday is asking you to help him in his RACE for children living with autism!
Children like Pierce are enjoying meaningful progress due to the dedicated folks at the Center for Autism’s Social Competency Program. Here’s what Pierce’s mom, Cathy, had to say:
My son Pierce was a wonderful baby. He cried little, smiled often and slept well. His big personality and determination to succeed was evident from early on. When he began rolling over, you could see the resolve on his face to push his little body ahead of its time. When he turned six months old and was given a baby walker, he quickly learned to glide across the floor to reach his destination. Of course, this willfulness was also evident when he began having temper tantrums, often for no apparent reason. We began to notice that Pierce was different from other children. He only used a few words to communicate and swiftly dismantled any object in our house that he could get his hands on. Though it took some time and the right person to suggest autism to us, once he received a diagnosis, Pierce went on into early intervention services and the world of education.
Pierce was fortunate to be placed in a fantastic program, with wonderful teachers and support staff. He made gains academically and developed more language. However, Pierce’s ability to interact with others was limited and unusual. He could talk, but lacked conversation skills and the desire to play with other children. He chose only to direct activities and when someone didn’t follow his rules, including scripts he expected all to use, the tantrums were monumental. We realized that something was missing.
That missing piece was found when we enrolled Pierce in the Social Competency Program at the Center for Autism. To read more about Pierce’s Story CLICK HERE
Help NBA Player (and one of our favorite Philadelphia Sixers) Jrue Holiday WIN his race for autism, please DONATE $10 today. Stars Within Reach and our Partners are matching the Race for Promise donations up to $5,000, so donate today and tell a friend.
