The April issue of Chicago Parent Magazine features an adorable little boy on its cover. He wears an inquisitive half smile, and his blue eyes sparkle. Beneath his photo is the magazine’s cover story headline: “The face of autism – Then and now.”
The little boy is Jake. He’s Lester Reading Specialist Lisa Garbis’s 4-year-old son. The cover story delves into the evolution of autism awareness and treatment in the United States, highlighting how interventions are much more readily available now than they were just a few years ago.
Jake has autism. For Lisa, his diagnosis has come with challenges, but more importantly, interesting perspectives and unique opportunities. And thanks to early interventions, Jake is excelling.
“Jake started therapy before the age of 2 with early intervention, then moved to the preschool program at age 3,” Lisa said. “Between early intervention, school and a brain supplement, he has made huge progress.”
Lisa is very open about her son’s experiences with autism, and she hopes the magazine article will reach and inform an even larger audience.
“Jake has such a kind heart and is a lovable kid. Yes, the future is scary to make sure we are doing everything we can and everything that is helpful. There is so much out there and it can be very overwhelming,” Lisa said. “As you go through things like autism, you need support from people in the know. Now I feel like I have other ways to help too, to share and learn.”
Read Chicago Parent Magazine’s autism article on page 29 at https://issuu.com/chicagoparent/docs/april_2017.