Sharing “I CAN!” Attitudes: Dallas & Gabe

Dallas, wearing a blue basketball jersey with the number 42, smiles broadly.

The Thrill of the Game

I wanted to share a proud moment…I am always the proud mom, but recently my son Dallas, who is 14 (and diagnosed with Autism), began playing Special Olympics basketball. The pride he experiences in himself for finally being able to get out there, be part of a team, and the joy he gets from being involved in sports cannot be described with words. As you can see from the attached picture, it is an amazing thing to see. He doesn’t need to break records, or even get a basket, a rebound, or a blocked shot to feel pride; he just simply needs to be allowed the chance to play. Through this process, I have truly seen that he asks for so little and he gives so much in return. I am so Blessed!

~ Cathy Derringer, (Dallas’s Proud Mom)

Secret Garden Bike rides

My daughter who is nearly 8, and has ADHD and learning disabilities, just learned to ride her bike! She proudly informed me she’s been practicing, in secret, in the garden. Her friend has been teaching her on his old bike! We are now down to one stabiliser! Clever little thing she is!

~ Jackie Jones, (Proud Mum)

Related: I Can Bike!

“FULLY INTERGRATED ”

My son, Gabe, who is now 15, was diagnosed at 10 years of age with BPD, OCD, ADHD, chronic anxiety and shows signs of autism traits His behaviour went completely upside down in grade 4. Our world was turned upside down. I never thought we would get to last Wednesday, February 1st of 2012! Gabe had not been integrated since 4th grade. He has been in 2 behaviour classes and a different one for highschool. Well, on February 1st, he was FULLY INTERGRATED into his grade 10 second semester. I cried. I am soo proud of him. This was a huge deal because we didn’t know if it would ever happen. His science teacher called me Friday to tell me he is doing great and that he answers questions, is doing his work and a pleasure to have. When I look back and see all we have been through: the tears, ER visits, suspensions, calls from school, violent outburst that would last for hours, constant mania, 14 different med changes, physically hurting his siblings, etc… it just amazes me. HE amazes me.

~ Amy Gavanac ( Proud Mom)

Share a Proud Moment with us Next Issue! Proud Moments can be any time that you have been extremely proud of your child with special needs. It can be when they are giving it their all or reaching a milestone. You may feel you can only share your excitement or enthusiasm with someone that will really understand. We understand. [email protected]

Dallas exhibiting an “I CAN” attitude Photo courtesy Cathy Derringer

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This post originally appeared on our May/June 2012 Magazine

Sharing “I CAN!” Attitudes: Dallas & Gabe

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