Carolina's Story

Our story is a sadly familiar one. Carolina was a bright-eyed, typically-developing baby, until somewhere after her first birthday. The changes were quite subtle, gradual, but not to be denied by the time she was two and a half. Her diagnosis was not surprising, but it was devastating, because I had worked in this field and knew it could be a cruel fate.

In the past seven years, we have tried many things, yet Carrie remains significantly affected by autism. While we never give up hope, we have come to accept that our lives are forever changed. Nothing conventional or boring here! What is life like? Picture this: a child who cannot talk, or understand much of what is said to her, is not toilet trained, sleeps poorly, has stubborn compulsive behaviors (i.e. shredding tissue), and frequent emotional upsets, no awareness of safety, and now, and always, needs constant supervision. Day to day life is unpredictable, a big bold roller coaster ride.

Yet this doesn’t begin to capture the challenges nor does it give the complete picture, for we have found countless blessings and lessons along the way. Patience, courage, strength, perseverance, compassion, perspective, grace, and unconditional love are the unexpected gifts that Carolina has given us and all whose hearts she touches.

Look closely at that pixie face, those doe eyes and you will see beyond autism to a free- spirited angel girl - my girl, Carrie.