Local Sucess Story



Story of Success

By Kristy Wessels

This is another story of success. Wesley had been a child I was privileged to meet at about age 3 several years ago, and this April I saw him again. This time his family was participating in the Walk for Autism sponsored by our sister society, The Panhandle Autism Society (PAS) of the north Idaho area. See Panhandleautismsociety.com

Wesley is attending school in a full mainstream education. His mother shares he is a tad behind in reading 6 months comprehension and otherwise thriving in regular education.

Wesley shares with me he remembers when he was more affected with ASD how hard thing were for him. He likes to play sports and makes presentations about Autism at school.

This young boy had intense early intervention 30 hours per week for over three years. This was an intense year round course of Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-based (DIR®/Floortime™). In addition he had to adhere to a strict diet (no phenols and various vitamins. His Defeat Autism Now doctor (DAN) prescribed detox therapies, vitamin B-12 and gluthione supplements. As a note to readers these medical treatments are not Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved and as your own situation may vary you are advised to check with your own clinician.

These therapies cost the family a great deal in money and stressed family relationships. During this time, Yvonne was in divorce proceedings. Wesley grandparents were instrumental especially in the very early years of getting the home program running and the Bio-medical alternative approach his mom chose.

Wesley lives with his mom, Vonny and his sister. The family shares with me they still keep Wesley off phenols but otherwise he is able to tolerate a regular diet .I have been humbled to what extremes this single and often unemployed mom has gone to afford Wesley the maximum amount and benefit of a home program and health. The 24/7 approach is not for everyone but the tenacity of such concentrated treatments is a testament to the courage and faith this mother had for Wesley.
 
Thanks Vonny for teaching me such dedication and enduring love for our kids with ASD.