Meet Allison S, Parent Mentor at Akron Children's

Allison's Story
Kade was born a healthy, happy little boy in 2016. We started noticing certain habits that became a concern to us. His eating, behavior, and speech were starting to become red flags. Between 18 months and 2 years of age, we had our suspicions about him being on the spectrum, as he was missing developmental milestones. We started taking the proper steps toward getting him therapy and working toward a diagnosis. After a year wait, he was diagnosed, just after his third birthday, with Level 2 Autism. Kade was also diagnosed non-verbal with a severe expressive/receptive language disorder.
During our wait time for a diagnosis, we utilized what services that were at our disposal, as early intervention is key! We utilized programs available to us through the State of Ohio, as well as speech and occupational therapy through our insurance. We also started the process for his IEP (Individualized Education Program) as well. During such an early stage of development, we wanted to make sure his education would be a priority, even if we didn't know what it would look like at that time.
Eating started to become quite a struggle for Kade due to his sensory and anxiety concerns. A year later, he was diagnosed with Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and we started a food therapy journey as well. Kade is now 8 years old. He is currently utilizing the Autism Scholarship. He attends a school alternative program where he also gets his therapeutic services. He is talking, learning, eating, playing, but most importantly, he is HAPPY AND THRIVING!!
Allison is a parent mentor for these conditions: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Avoidant-food Restrictive Food Disorder, Severe expressive/receptive language disorder.
Allison is a mentor for these care services: Autism, Developmental Delay, Feeding and Nutrition