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Devon
Submitted by Tammy Higgins, Parent, and Rebecca Tinker, Dis./MH Manager Gadsden/ Etowah County Head Start Program Gadsden, Alabama |
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| Devon is a very bright and loving child. Unfortunately, this was not always true. When he was four years old, Devon was diagnosed with autism. A diagnosis of autistic disorder is made when an individual displays six or more of the twelve symptoms listed across three major areas: social interaction, communication and behavior. |
Devon (right) and sister Sarah |
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Autism, which affects thought, perception, and attention, is not just one
disorder with a well-defined set of symptoms, but a broad spectrum of
disorders that ranges from mild to severe. In addition, the behaviors
usually occur across many different situations and are consistently
inappropriate for the child’s age. In Devon’s case, he displayed symptoms
from each of the three areas. After his diagnosis of autism, I immediately placed him in a preschool program. To our misfortune, the school year was almost over and he had not shown much progress in the time he was there. My prayers were answered when I was introduced to Rebecca Tinker at the Head Start Development Center here in Gadsden (Alabama). At the time, I had no idea what wonderful changes I would be seeing in Devon’s near future. He began school at Head Start the fall of 2001 as a distant child with little or no vocabulary. Within this one school year, he has transformed into an exceptionally bright and loving child. Devon can now speak in two and three word sentences, sometimes more. His social skills have also improved dramatically. He now enjoys being with other people and shows excitement in learning new things. These remarkable changes are due to the extraordinary care and attention Devon has received from the staff at Head Start. Every child that attends Head Start is blessed by these people. I know this, because in the frequent visits I have made to the school, I have witnessed first hand the love and attention each child receives. Devon’s teachers, Juanita Jackson and Eulyshya Wright, are two of the most precious people I have ever met. We have kept very close contact with one another the entire school year. It is such an astounding feeling for a parent to know their child’s teachers care so much for them. Ms. Jackson once told me that she thought Devon was a little angel sent to bring happiness. As for myself, I think God allowed two angels to meet when they were introduced to each other. Devon is graduating from Head Start at the end of this school year. He will be starting kindergarten at a public school this fall. Although I am overwhelmed with joy that he is able to make this transition, I feel sadness knowing that he will not be with these wonderful people anymore. I cannot express into words the love or gratitude I feel for everyone at Head Start. They have made such a difference in our lives. I once felt unsure of Devon’s future, now I can see only success and happiness for him. Thank you dearly to everyone at Head Start. |
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