Sharing “I CAN!” attitudes: Jake & Matthew

FIRST- Junior Sportsman of the year award

I have a very special moment with my wonderful son to share.

Jake has Kabuki Syndrome, a complex syndrome that is different with every child, yet the same.

In 2010, Jake went to his swimming carnival at school. He was in his first year of High School here in Australia.

Jake entered every race, even coming 3rd in Butterfly!

At the end of the year, they presented Jake with the very first “Special Education Center – Junior Sportsman of the year award”. Jake was the only student at that school who entered every single race at the swimming carnival.

We are so very proud of Jake and this is only the start of his achievements.

~ Kim Stanton, Australia (Proud Mom)

Solving his OWN problem

My son, Matthew, is 5 years old (going on 35!). He has Asperger’s Syndrome. He has difficulty in stores that are loud and very busy. He gets overwhelmed and most times we end up leaving shortly after we arrive. One day we went to Old Navy, as he loves clothes, and as usual it was loud with music and crowded with customers. My son loves that store, but almost immediately developed a stomachache. He said “Mom, my tummy hurts?” I knew what it meant, so I asked if he wanted to leave. He stood and looked off to the side, like he does when he is trying to reason, and looked back at me and said, “I think I am just uncomfortable. Maybe I can try a cart to sit in.” So we got him settled into a cart and about 5 minutes later he looked at me and said, “Guess what? My tummy doesn’t hurt anymore! The cart worked!” I was so proud of him for not only solving his OWN problem but also for withstanding what I know is difficult for him because he wanted to be there.

~ Bridget Pendergraft (Proud Mom)

“Hearing three little words can mean so much”

After almost a year in speech therapy, I heard my son say “lub you mom” (love you mom) for the first time. He was almost 3 years old. It was an amazing experience to hear my son finally say that. It still melts my heart to hear him say it.

~ Alexis Fullmer Velarado (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]

Jake exhibiting an “I CAN” attitude Photo courtesy Kim Stanton

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This post originally appeared on our July/August 2011 Magazine