A “one-of-a-kind kid”
by Kristen
The story below was featured in our March eNewsletter. We love sharing Easter Seals stories like this, so if you’d like to receive our eNews every month, sign up here.
Easter Seals 2013 Youth Representative Auburn Smith is a nationally ranked tennis player and aspiring musician who enjoys riding her adapted bicycle and loves to travel. This active high school sophomore doesn’t let a disability get in her way.
There was a time when her doctors couldn’t imagine Auburn doing what she does today. Born with spina bifida and clubfoot, she was just a day old when she had her first surgery. Her parents were told she would likely never walk — something no one in the family accepted.
As she’s grown and faced new challenges, Easter Seals has been there. Auburn’s teachers say she projects a calm confidence and that she is wise beyond her years. Her ceramics teacher says she’s a rock star and “a one of a kind kid.” You can read more about Auburn’s story here.
Is Your Child at Risk? Auburn and her parents attribute much of her success to the treatment she got early in life. The first five years are critical in a child’s life. How is your child doing? You only need 10-20 minutes to check via a free, online screening tool: the Ages & Stages Questionnaires®. Your results will help you see if your child’s developmental progress is on time and alert you to concerns that you can talk over with your health care provider.