Meet Hunter! Hunter, now 17, was diagnosed with autism at age 4. Through the Morrow County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Hunter received speech, physical and occupational therapy and saw a psychologist. He also attended pre-school, where he learned to interact with others and further develop his speech. Hunter’s mother, Rhonda, made attempts to get out of the house with Hunter even though he was disruptive in public. Because of the levy failures she had no respite (certified caretaker) and needed to at least buy groceries for the week. To help Hunter learn to be comfortable in public, the local Pizza Hut agreed to let them come in early in the morning and learn to sit down without bothering others. In the beginning, Hunter yelled. This eventually subsided as he got used to the environment. The Morrow County Community Center has also been supportive and welcoming of Hunter as well as understanding of his stimming or humming and making erratic noises. When Hunter started going through puberty, Rhonda noticed he was bruised all over and learned this was from pinching himself. At that time, Rhonda was forced to remain home with Hunter, quitting her job in order to protect him. During this difficult period, Hunter would hit and pinch her and other family members. Hunter would even hit and kick Rhonda while driving, forcing her to secure him in the back seat for their safety. If Rhonda could have had respite services, Hunter could have remained home allowing Rhonda time for errands. After saving for several years, Rhonda took Hunter to Panama to have stem cell surgery to improve Hunter’s speech. Since having the surgery, Hunter can now talk. In 2013, Hunter received a SELF Waiver (100% state funded through a one time opportunity) to help support him in the community. Hunter’s older sister is a SELF Waiver provider and also takes classes at her own expense. She accompanies Hunter and explains what is happening to people around them while in the community. Hunter has become affectionate; he reads Rhonda’s emotions and asks her if she is okay. Rhonda says God gave her Hunter to learn patience; he is someone YOU should get to know. Please help the 172 families who are on a waiting list for services from the Morrow County Board of Developmental Disabilities by supporting the levy on May 6th. Vote YES for Morrow County Developmental Disabilities/Whetstone on May 6th!! Thank you for liking -- I really do appreciate that but if you like AND SHARE youll help spread the word even further!! #voteYESformorrowdd
Posted on: Fri, 25 Apr 2014 20:24:18 +0000
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