Brady's Page

Accepting, Then Attacking Autism

My life has changed immensely since July of last year. When Brady was diagnosed with Autism, it permanently altered the goals and the dreams I had for my little boy.  I felt like I had let him down; knowing that I may never be able to give him the life he deserves.  Many of the reasons I had for wanting to be a father, were now, not likely possible. I didn’t sleep any more than a couple hours a night.  I lost focus.  I’ve never felt that kind of guilt.  He’s such a beautiful, loving little boy.  Why Brady?  Why us? 

Autism strikes a mighty blow to children.  It’s perhaps more harsh on parents and families. Right after his diagnosis I read several books on autism, and I remember reading a statistic that more than 80% of marriages involving a child with autism end in divorce. 80%!!  I know the national average is 50%, but it underscores the strain autism places on your mind and soul. 

So what to do… I mean, what can you do?  Thousands of doctors are researching autism, and the spectrum is so broad that no universal cure exists.  In fact, most people with autism are never “cured.” Some children improve their socialization skills and can function without much supervision as adults; some do not. I did what all parents have to do:  I made peace with it. 

I prayed… cried… moped… and finally accepted it.  Then I embraced it. Brady’s an awesome kid--He’s the most inspirational source in my life. Brady’s mother is strong and determined.  She was ready to attack autism, through therapy, diet and socialization. It is expensive and time consuming and emotionally draining. We decided to get tough.

Sarah stopped working to stay home with Brady. We approached Children’s Hospital (where he received his diagnosis) about IBI therapy---an intensive behavioral therapy scientifically proven to increase potential for many children with autism. We hired two amazing therapists to work in our home--4 hours a day!  This is a two-year-old child and he’s going through therapies up to 30 hours a week!  Brady sees two in-home therapists plus a case manager from Children’s, sees a speech therapist in our home, and goes to an occupational therapist once a week.  This is the commitment that thousands of families are making in an attempt to “rescue” their kids.  We have an amazing team working together, hopeful and positive.

We’re 6 months into his IBI program, and Brady’s making great progress.  I don’t notice the changes as much because I see him everyday, but when my parents come to visit they see changes immediately.  Of course, he’s growing up so he’s bound to change.  But his social skills are improving.  He loves rough play and hugs---loves meeting people.  He does not play with other kids, but he hasn’t been around other guys his age.  Now that he has a little brother at home, Brady’s grown more curious about this new person who lives at the house. 

Brady does not speak (as many as 40% of all autistics never speak). He communicates through pictures called “pecs” and we know his mind is working.  He’s smart--we just have to find a way to get it out.  Everyday I hope this is the day he says “ball” or “mommy.” I just want him to have fun--he works so hard everyday in his therapy room that when I’m home we run and play and I sing to him. Poorly, mind you.

We’ve wrapped our arms around autism. Embraced the challenge. In a way, I think we’re lucky.  My friends from work and from back home are amazingly supportive.  We all love each other. And I have Brady to thank for making us stronger. 

As a grandmother of an autistic child (diagnosed at age 2, currently age 5) you will be amazed at how much joy and strength Brady will give to you. As we have discovered early intervention is the key.  It was amazing to watch the progress day by day. Words could not describe hearing our little miracle sing “Happy Birthday” to me or telling his little sister that she “gets on his nerves” (ha-ha).  Hang in there cause there will be a day when you hear Brady say the words you long to hear.

Dear Jerrod and Sarah,

I am a mother of a 6-year-old son with PDD-NOS (mild Autism as I call it), a typical 4-year-old daughter and expecting a third child.  God has grown me and my husband over the years since we had our son.  We had our ups and downs as a young married couple but God has and continues to solidify our life together with our kids.  My son started at 2-years-old attending an MRDD preschool for a speech delay then diagnosed at 3-years-old with PDD-NOS by the school psychologist.  He has been through preschool with school therapies through MRDD for 4 years and is now in a public special education preschool.  He has been through private speech and OT.  Next year he will be in kindergarten but we are awaiting his school psychologist recommendations for class placement.  My son started talking in sentences at 4 and has progressed to almost seemingly typical at times even though he still has Autism.  God has used my 4-year old daughter in helping my son engaging him in play, relentlessly talking to him and at times she allows him to lead in their playtime together.  They are two peas in a pod as my husband would say.

Therapy waiting rooms have been like another home for me where I engage other parents about themselves, their children’s diagnoses, the therapies their children are in and their family lives in general.  I find that it is important that as people we share our joys, our difficulties, the cute/funny moments of life and about other subjects in addition to the circumstances surrounding our children with others as it makes you seem real.  There are so many other diagnoses that are underrepresented and I find that it’s important to understand them as I meet the people with children who have these conditions. 

I will tell that God will amaze you with how he comes through in the miracles of daily life that you have and will continue to see occur in your son, yourselves and your infant son!  With all the early intervention your son is involved in you will see a great deal of progress!  I wish your family well on this journey!

My sincere thanks to you for sharing your journey with the public.  I am the great aunt and caregiver of a 4 year old with PDD-OSS.  Like you, we started getting him help around 2 years.  He has made astounding progress, still getting ABA therapy, speech and OT.  He also attends a regular preschool three days a week (with an aide to guide him) and, according to his teachers, is doing extremely well.  He is now speaking in sentences, initiating conversations, learning numbers and the alphabet.  We are so grateful to his therapists, grandparents, and others who help to keep us all on an even keel.  Children’s Hospital has been a terrific resource to us as well.  He is developing into a delightful, funny, happy, typical little boy.  Hang in there and keep up the good work!

I want to lend you my support and share some information with you and all of the families that need it. I am A behavior technician at step by step academy in worthington, Ohio. I work with different severities of Autism every day! I love what I do and I know everyone there does as well. I also do home therapy for a 5 year old Autistic boy in his home 3 hours a day 4 days a week! This little boy has changed my life and my way of thinking. These kids are so amazing with the amount of commitment they put into their own therapy to be successful because that is what they want! If you would like to know more info regaurding Step by Step please email me and I can send you contact information at

Jerod & Sarah,
I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story.  I am the blessed mom of Brayden, who was just diagnosed this month at the age of 3, as well as a typical daughter, Sarah, who is 6.  Even though I had been preparing myself for the diagnosis, it is never easy to hear those words from a doctor.  Initially, you feel so overwhelmed and alone.  Then, through acceptance and prayer, you move forward to learning and taking action.  We, too, have been working with Children’s Autism Center, and they have been wonderful.  They have so many resources for our kids, and for us parents as well, that it makes dealing with the diagnosis so much easier.

By sharing your story, you let other parents know that they are not alone and that there is hope for the future of our children.  You also help to get the message out there that autism is on the rise, and parents need to know the signs so that early intervention can take place.

Thanks again!  I look forward to following your family’s journey as we make our way on our journey as well.

Take care and God bless!

Sarah and Jerod,
You are on a journey that at times will be frustrating and will cause tears. On the other hand, you will learn to appreciate all the “small” accomplishments that we might take for granted in our “typically developing” children. I am the mother of twin 24-year-olds on the spectrum. Twenty years ago when they were diagnosed (one with PDD, later determined to be Asperger’s Syndrome, and one with autism) there was so little information and support in Columbus. We connected with the Nisonger Center at OSU and with MRDD and early intervention was the key then as it is now. One son is a graduate of OSU and hopes to do some international travel some day. His brother volunteers several hours a week at a suburban church and is active in Special Olympics. When they were babies I dreamed of my sons competing in sports at OSU. Well, one has! He has been involved in Special Olympics State Games for a number of years and hopes to return to OSU to compete again this summer.
As much as I wish autism never existed, I cannot feel anything but blessed for the wonderful people we have met along the way. I now am a teaching assistant in a special needs preschool and I know this job I love would not have been a choice I’d have thought of had I not had my two special sons.
I am involved in the early planning for the Columbus Walk Now For Autism event in October at OSU and we welcome all of you to join us!