33yrs

female

Speaks English

For about 5 years, I have been helping care for a boy who has a fairly severe case of autism. About 3 years ago, I started doing respite care for him. He is 16 years old now, and is non-verbal. He is not able to communicate with words, but he does have his own ways of letting me know what he wants. I will often find him enjoying sitting by the heater, jumping on his trampoline, or running around the house making loud noises. He makes little eye contact and is not potty trained, so caring for him is much different than the average child his age. We have gotten to know each other very well over time, and I can now tell what he wants and how he might be feeling. My nephew who is now almost 5 years old, was also diagnosed with autism at the age of two. He has since made great progress, and is doing well in school and communicating very well. I have cared for both of these wonderful boys for quite a long time.