Class Notes
“B.M.A.” — not quite a degree, nothing like my B.A. in History or my M.A. in English, it was something I never expected to have attached to my name. Yet, it became a reality when our family OB/GYN said, “At 41, you are beyond the maternal age.” Four children already and nine months later, I gave birth to child five, Jasmynn. Another beautiful daughter whom I was certain would become my six-foot volleyball player with mad setting, hitting and libero skills.
A Voice For Jasmynn But life had other plans for our Jazz. At three years old, she was diagnosed at the University of Michigan with classic nonverbal autism. “Don’t mortgage your home trying to find a fix. There is none,” the diagnosing psychiatrist said. Moving beyond those initial dark years we are dazzled by Jazz’s brightness. Years of working with her diligently, and the teaching degree I had earned while at AC, came in handy. But due to multiple struggles for her in the public school system, I hung up my teacher’s hat and taught Jasmynn half-day at home. She flourished and much of that was due to her phenomenal ability to utilize an iPad. Her innate rocket-speed, insane attention to minutiae, memorization talents, a mother’s perseverance and the gifts from app developers who designed ProloQuo2Go, Verbally and Aacorn communication tools, all attributed to her success. Long story short, because Jazz was so successful with the iPad, we created an organization which would allow her to “help others find their voices.” Jasmynn’s Voice, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, was created by our family two and a half years ago. We give away iPads, their protective OtterBox coverings, some apps and provide training as to best practices/app selections for children/ adults who reside in Jackson, Lenawee and Washtenaw counties. Our intent is to expand to all of Michigan one day. When our daughter was diagnosed, the CDC stated 1 in 250 children were on the Autism Spectrum. That figure today has grown to 1 in 68. We’ve given out over 30 iPads with many yet to be delivered. The device is a gift for those who have support in helping them
utilize the apps to meet basic needs. The ultimate hope is that through the iPad our loved ones’ voices will be heard, where without it, they have long been silent. We are so very proud of our Jasmynn. Had it not been for the off-road journey our lives took when we were given this lovely, sassy, honest-to-the-core, happygo-lucky child, we might never have known the struggles of those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Nor would we have discovered the pure innocence of one whose words come sporadically, who has gifted many with “a voice” though hers is difficult to decipher. Melissa Marvin Archer ’92 lives in Adrian with her family. To learn more, visit jasmynnsvoice.org or facebook.com/ jasmynnsvoice.
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