Kyle Mayer, Easter Seals 2011 National Child Representative
by Bob
I was happy to see the announcements in the Milwaukee BizTimes Nonprofit Weekly and GreendaleNow about the recent naming of seven-year-old Kyle Mayer as Easter Seals’ 2011 National Child Representative.
Kyle, who has autism, receives early intervention services here at Easter Seals Southeast Wisconsin. I was quoted in the stories saying:
Kyle’s story is about hope, help and answers for a young man on the autism spectrum. [His] journey as national representative will help others better understand and bring more awareness to the critical need for supports, like early diagnosis and intervention therapies, for children living with autism and other disabilities.
In a video detailing Kyle’s life, Kyle’s Mom Stephanie talks about how hard it was to get answers about Kyle’s behavior and other issues so that the family could get the help Kyle needed. It was Stephanie’s mother who suggested, “Maybe Kyle has Autism?” Stephanie went to a website and read the symptoms, and Kyle had most of them. When Stephanie visited the pediatrician, however, she was told, “Kyle smiles, he can’t have autism.”
Unfortunately, I have heard the story many times about professionals missing the signs of autism, which reduces the precious time we have to make an impact in the life of a child. if you are wondering if your child has Autism, link to the Signs and Symptoms of Autism page on the Easter Seals Web site and see a doctor who’s familiar with autism. Contact Easter Seals for services or assistance locating service providers in your area. Early intervention has a lifetime of impact.