I have been working with children and adults with special needs and neurodevelopmental/physical differences for over 10 years. My care started with my cousin who has cerebral palsy and is non-verbal. I also worked as a care aid for individuals ranging from 4-26 years old, including those with autism, developmental delays, and learning disabilities. I was a direct care professional at two group homes for 2 years and worked with adults with autism, fragile x syndrome, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, Noonan syndrome, depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder. I was a counselor at a camp for kids with learning disabilities, developmental delays, gastrointestinal disease requiring a feeding tube, and physical differences requiring assistive devices and adaptive equipment. I helped campers work toward therapeutic goals including speech, occupational, and physical therapy goals. These experiences have shaped me and the passion I have for supporting those with special needs.