From the moment she was born, Tara Johnston, of Canal Fulton, was in a unique situation to learn how to befriend a child with autism. Now, 19 years later she shares all the knowledge she has learned in a self-published book, “Tara’s Tips for Friends with Autism,” which is dedicated to her older brother, […]
Mary Marino plans a retirement that includes family, travel and projects
Mary Marino, director of rehabilitative services, has always focused on the big picture. Early in her career, she worked as a speech-language pathologist, coming up with ideas and solutions to help her pediatric patients overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Later, looking at the big picture meant joining a team that helped to streamline Akron Children’s separate […]
Brotherly bond
The Venner boys share a similar diagnosis – autism – but, just as no 2 kids are alike, neither is their disorder. “As we listened to our friends talk about their children the same age, we began to realize Oscar was very different,” said Jason, the boys’ dad. “He wasn’t socializing with kids his age, and often found repetitive and routine things much more a necessity than comforting. His pediatrician suggested that we test him for autism.” As Oscar struggled with fine motor […]
Elijah’s story raises awareness for National Microtia Day
Elijah was born without ears (bilateral atresia microtia) but, at 9 weeks premature, his parents’ first priority wasn’t his birth defect, it was saving his life. “He was in the NICU for a month because he had holes in his lungs and struggled with breathing,” said Colleen, Elijah’s mom. “While we were in the NICU, […]
Amidst appointments to doctors and rehab therapists, Pollocks cherish many family firsts
It’s been a month since our last post. Life goes by so quickly. Our little Peanut has been growing like a weed. We fall more and more in love with him every day. His smile will melt your heart. Our conversations together will be a moment we cherish as he grows. I love listening to […]
