When a child is diagnosed with ASD it is the parent that changes, not the child. The child is the same child you brought into the world. Do you know who is really changed by an autism diagnosis? Parents, guardians and family, that's who! As parents, we have so many hopes and dreams for our children when they are born. To many families, an ASD diagnosis can feel like those hopes and dreams were stolen. This is not true.

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When four-year old Noah was diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) his parents were forever changed. From that moment, Noah's family made it their mission to create a life that Noah would thrive in. Mom quits her job as a real estate broker, enrolls in an amazing Autism Certification Program with the Center for Autism and Related Disorders at West Los Angeles College. Noah's mother volunteers in Noah's classroom for a full semester year using tricks and techniques she was currently learning in an ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) certification program. Noah's mothers witnessed the difficulties her son was having just conforming in a general education classroom. Noah had to be taught how to be a student, and was in desperate need of support and behavior interventions. Noah was non-verbal, combative, and displayed several stereotypic behaviors and stems that interrupted the classroom and his learning. There was no way Noah was ready to learn any academics. Noah had to practice raising his hand and engaging with the class and his teacher. Noah's mom was there every step of the way. Noah's mom made herself useful, not only to her son, but to the entire classroom. We dont want to leave out that Noah's family struggled and fought for their son to remain in his general education setting with supports. It wasn't long before Noah received the proper supports from his school and he began to thrive. With perseverance and a strong belief in her son's ability, Noah began to thrive! Noah's mother became a Special Education Assistant with the Los Angeles Unified School District, became a Board Certified Autism Technician and learned everything she could about teaching children on the spectrum. Becoming a special education assistant for LAUSD may be one the hardest things to accomplish and among the lowest paid for the type of work that is done, shout out to all Special Education Teachers and Assistants, y'all are the GOATS!

 

In a nutshell, Noah's mother went back to school to get certified to teach children on the spectrum. While she was in school, Noah's mom volunteered to be Ian's one-to-one, or his BII (Behavior Intervention Implementation) in his class, all day, unpaid. Noah's mom basically practiced on her own son. She observed Noah from the eyes of a behaviorist, and not a mother.  That was 6 years ago! Today, Noah is thriving, he is verbal, attentive, reading, writing, super social and an excellent student, swimmer and actor, and still excelling on his life-long journey. Noah is getting stronger everyday.

 

Noah's family did not have the resources they needed when their son was diagnosed and that is why this foundation exists. Often times, parents are at an emotional and financial deficit when supporting each other and the needs of their child. Raising a child with intellectual, physical or emotional disabilities is challenging, demanding, yet rewarding. Super Friends Foundation is here to help. We are here to create a safe and dynamic space for our children with different capabilities. We are here to give and to share resources with families who are struggling to provide support for their child with special abilities. We look for the strengths within our children so they can live the best life possible. Super Friends is here to provide resources, supports and a village of educators, therapists, certified teachers and community leaders that will assist you and your child on this life-long journey.

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In the coming months, we hope you can join us as a fundraiser, donor, friend or volunteer. We have events and giveaways planned and we hope to see you in the crowd!

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Love, 

Shannon, Noah's Mother and Advocate, and your Super Friend!