Theresa is a bright 5 year old little girl who loves everyone. For the last few years I’ve known something was off. Doctors thought what was going on could be from her medical history of surgeries. I knew it was something more. As she grew she started sorting everything she put her hands on into matching colors, she needed to have everything in 2’s, she always needed routine and if you changed it at all she had a melt down, she likes to try and wonder, she attaches to her stuffy’s and tablet, she will listen to the same song over and over, at times she will obsess over certain things, she would go from 0-100 when she wakes up, she’s very smart and learns very easily. This is just some of the things myself and family/friends noticed over the years.

In 2022 she was diagnosed with a developmental delay, but it still didn’t make sense as Theresa got older the same things continued and at times became worst. Fast forward to a year later she had another evaluation and the doctor said that she had pica, ADHD, and Autism. My first thoughts were so now what? Exactly what is this diagnosis and what do I do? As the months have gone on I’ve learned a little bit more about having a child with autism.

This diagnosis does not define Theresa, she is still the very smart loving 5 year old child that I know. Aside from all of this, Theresa loves to listen to country music especially Morgan Wallen and Hardy. When she’s not listening to music or watching her favorite show paw patrol, Theresa enjoys swimming, playing with her cats, and playing dolls. When she is older she wants to be a cop someday to help protect the cops and put the bad guys away.

It’s only through the dedicated support of people like us that Autism Speaks can continue their vital mission work. Each year, the Autism Speaks Autism Response Team makes direct contact with tens of thousands of individuals looking for advice or guidance and more than one million people access their free nationwide autism services and resources. They continue to partner and support research to improve the lives of people with autism by investing in science that will allow more personalized treatments and therapies. You can find out even more about where your fundraising dollars go at autismspeaks.org/our-work.

Please join me by donating to help me reach my fundraising goal. Together, we have the power to enhance the lives of people with autism and make a meaningful difference. Thanks so much for your support!