Kilbride Family Classic
5K Run & 2 Mile Walk
for Autism

 


















The Kankakee Speedway and Court Street Ford Support the Fight Against Autism
Win a 2010 Ford Mustang
Ticket Information Here


Grandma & Grandpa's Letter About Scotty


On May 13th, our grandson Scott celebrated his 16th birthday.  As grandparents we wonder where did the time go?  We have watched Scott develop language; adjust to school and now a high school setting.  We have watched him enjoy swimming, riding on the jet ski at Aunt Chris’ house, and taking bicycle rides with his family on his recumbent bike.

When Scott comes to visit in Kankakee , we provide a place for him to use his computer and his DVD player.  He also loves to find the books in the family room.  Scot loves to blow out candles so that is now his job at Christmas time.

Scott loves the family dog, Duke.  Recently his mother brought home a puppy and asked the children if they should keep the puppy.  Scott answered without hesitation.  “Yes, keep puppy.”

Scott’s grandfather and I are thrilled with the progress that Scott has made.  We are so proud of Scott’s mother, our daughter Jennifer and his father, our son-in-law Mike who have provided a nurturing and loving environment for all their children.

Scott’s smile is infectious.  Scott has helped all of us to be more sensitive to differences in individuals, to be patient because we have no choice and to enjoy each day.

With your help, we will continue to do what we can to support Scott and the 1.7 million families who live with loved ones who have autism.

TOGETHER WE WILL FIND A CURE

  Scotty was born on May 13th, 1994.  Scotty was our second grandchild and the second son for our daughter Jennifer and son in law Mike.  He was a beautiful baby and was developing normally until about 18 months old when he lost the few words he was speaking and began to withdraw form us, perfectly content to be by himself.

Scotty was diagnosed with Autism prior to his third birthday and had no language. As grandparents we were disheartened but determined to find any intervention that would help Scott reach his potential.  We participated in the ABA training and over several years, Scotty has developed some language.  On a field trip last fall, Scotty told his teacher, “Zoo is better than math”
 

Currently, Scott is enrolled in public school and attends an 8th grade general education class for science and social studies.  The balance of his day is spent in classes designed for his academic abilities, reading, math and language, and adaptive P E.
 

At home Scott like his computer, loves Disney videos and DVDs, and riding his bike.
 

James brings new meaning to the term ‘older brother’.  He wrestles with Scott, plays the game boy, laughs with him and consoles Scot when he is unhappy.  Joseph, a fifth grader, and Brigid, a second grader also know what Scott eats and what will make him happy.  During a birthday party at the house, Brigid was asked by her little friend, what is the matter with your brother?  Brigid said as a matter of fact, “His brain just doesn’t work like yours and mine.”
 

It is said that raising a child takes a village.  We have seen first hand that this is surely the case with our Scott.  Family, friends, and teachers are all working to help Scott reach his potential and to be happy along the way.


The View From Cobb Park