April is Autism Awareness Month. This is a wonderful piece written by Cherith Mangum, Director of Communications at the Alexander Family YMCA. Learn more about the impact that the YMCA has had on one very special little boy.
It’s truly heart-warming to see Karen and
John Hammes spend time with their only child, 11-year old Heyward.
Laughter, hugs, high-fives, encouraging words. The small
family shares a strong bond that you might experience in your own home—one
filled with love, loyalty and just plain fun.
However, a small difference characterizes the Hammes’
relationship. Heyward is a young boy with
autism.
A 9-YEAR SEARCH
“When he was diagnosed at age 2,” Karen recalled. “It was
very hard to see him struggle with just the basic skills in life.”
For the last 9 years, Karen and John have worked to find
an effective developmental program for Heyward. While Heyward has strong
athletic skills, he possesses limited language capabilities.
“Public places and noises cause him to easily go into sensory overload,” Karen said. “So he needs to have a very specific kind of environment
to learn and grow.”
While they kept searching for an ideal location, Karen and John assembled a team of
professionals to help them teach and nurture Heyward. However, it wasn’t until the family found the Y last fall
that Heyward’s progress skyrocketed.
FINALLY MOVING FORWARD
“The Y has finally given us a safe,
consistent place to help Heyward grow,” Karen said. “And since we’ve been members, Heyward’s
learning has gone from 0 to 60 in just a few months!”
Three times a day, like clockwork, Heyward and one of his
mentors come trotting into the Y for an hour of fun activities.
You might find them walking the track, playing a game of
basketball or exercising in front of the mirrors in the fitness studios.
According to Karen, consistent exercise helps Heyward
develop his language skills. Throughout every activity Heyward does around the
Y, his mentors are able to connect his physical actions with words. Playing
sports? Heyward can identify each of the sports balls by name!
“We never had one
place that we could visit to do all of our activities,” Karen said. “But after
the consistency of the Y, Heyward’s expressive language has grown by at least
150%!”
A PLACE TO BELONG
Familiarity. Consistency. The Y has provided Heyward and
his family with a stable environment to learn, grow and succeed. But more importantly to Karen, the Y has become a place
for Heyward to belong.
“We’ve been blown away by how warm and accepting people
are at the Y,” Karen said. “We feel like the staff—and even other members—rally
around Heyward to help him succeed.”
“The staff know Heyward’s name. They give him a high-five
when he comes in.” Karen continued. “And they’ve been so patient and supportive
of any needs we might have.”
A big smile. A friendly high-five. To Karen and her
family, the YMCA serves as much more than a workout facility. For Heyward, the
Y has become a community of support and a safe haven during a difficult time of
growth.
“Every night in Heyward’s prayers, we thank
God for the YMCA,” Karen smiled. “We feel like we belong here.”
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