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Our Story
On December 25, 2005 we became the proud parents of James Marshall Harrington, affectionately known to us as Jimmy. Being first time parents we were nervous with this new responsibility; Jimmy completely relied on our actions and decisions as parents for his well being. There are many books you can read to prepare yourself, but sometimes life throws you a curve ball that isn’t in the books. We’ve been thrown a couple in just 3 short years.
Shortly after Jimmy turned 4 months old he developed a seizure disorder called Infantile Spasms. Fortunately for us after one round of steroid treatment he never had another seizure. We were so happy and knew we were lucky that he responded to treatment so well. At around 6 month old we got involved with the Kennedy-Donovan Center Early Intervention and they became a big part of our lives. We were so lucky to have such wonderful people to work with Jimmy. They are the ones that picked up that Jimmy wasn’t developing his skills the way he should and suggested we have him evaluated shortly after he turned 2 years old.
We contacted Children’s Hospital in Boston and were put on a 6 month waiting list to be seen. In July were went in for our evaluation with our EI coordinator Maureen. They asked us questions and observed Jimmy in different settings. We were there for about 4 hours. They asked us to come back in a couple of weeks for the results of the tests. The date we were scheduled to return was August 8, 2008; my 33rd birthday and the day our lives changed just a little bit more.
Jimmy was diagnosed with Autism and global developmental delay. Since he was going to turn 3 in December we didn’t have much time to get him into ABA therapy (covered by the State until he turned 3). We started in September with Children Making Strides who provided ABA 4 days a week. He still continued with EI (also covered by the state until he turned 3). After the age of 3 we were lucky that our town provides a public preschool program for children with special needs. We were lucky there was a spot available for him starting in January 2009.
He receives Speech Therapy, OT, and PT through the school system. ABA and EI ended for Jimmy in December 2008 when he turned 3. Health insurance in MA does not cover treatment for Autism services. Families have to pay out of pocket for services for their children. Lucky for us there is Community Autism Resources. They provide training, clinics, conferences, field trips, and many other services to families with children on the spectrum. They depend on donations to allow them to keep helping families. They have been a tremendous help for my family which is why I am raising money to help keep them going. There major fundraiser is the Hearts and Hands Walk for Autism and Family Fun day on Saturday September 12, 2009 at Bristol Community College in Fall River from 9:30am to 1:30pm.
Every little bit helps. Autism affects 1 in 150 people. Chances are everyone knows at least one person who is on the Autism Spectrum. With the economy being as it is I know there is not a lot of money leftover to donate so we appreciate anything you can do. Since the recent budget cuts for families and people with disabilities in MA the wonderful people who keep Community Autism Resources going have had to take cuts in pay and hours. They need our help now more then ever. I know for certain that Jimmy would not be doing as well as he is now if it was not for the support and guidance that we have received from Community Autism Resources. Please help. You never know when someone you love will be faced with an Autism diagnosis and trust me when I say that you would want to know that Community Autism Resources will be there to help you along your journey.
We thank you for your support.
Melissa, Tom and Jimmy Harrington