1 • Thursday, May 18, 2017 - The Shopper
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Published by ROCK VALLEY PUBLISHING L.L.C. 11512 N. 2nd ST. • MACHESNEY PARK, IL 61115 • (815) 654-4850 • www.rvpnews.com
Volume 18 Issue 21
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May 18, 2017
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Local family reaching out to other families while raising awareness for Autism REPORTER
Mitchel Wallace was 4 years old when he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum disorder; also known as Asperger Syndrome. On Saturday, May 13 Mitchel and family members will be participating for a third time in a 5 K walk that holds special meaning at Soldier Field in Chicago. “Walk Now for Autism Speaks” is an annual event around the country organized to raise awareness, in addition to allowing future advances in research, while lending a strong support system to families. Mitchel’s immediate family is participating in the walk including his Father, Scott, Mother Kerri, Mitchel, Mitchel’s sister, Emily- her boyfriend Michael, and their children Layla and the newest member of the family, baby Nova. Mitchel’s Mom Kerri reflects back where his story began, “I noticed from age two that he was not progressing as a toddler as my daughter Emily had,“ said Kerri Wallace. “He had little to no speech. He mostly mimicked when he did talk. He got over stimulated at places like Wal Mart with so much to visually take in. He couldn’t understand simple and two step directions such as “Put the yellow ball in the box.” He would become fixated with one toy and nothing else. “I took Mitchel to the pre-k testing at Rockton Grade School and he qualified at three and a half years old. There they do all sorts of testing on all of the children. Once enrolled he qualified for speech and occupational therapy as his fine motor skills were also behind,“ Kerri said. “After working with that program I was able to take their report to the pediatric neurologist and incorporate it with the clinic’s testing to get the diagnosis. Mitchel was in pre-k for two years and the strides he made were huge.” While still not on par with children his own age he began to speak. When he turned 18 we had wonderful conversations. Now at age 21 Mitchel has shown great improvement through the years. Kerri attributes much of the credit to those who have helped Mitchel in various ways. “I will always be grateful to that program and to those teachers who took him under their wing.” Family and friends have also watched Mitchel’s advancements first hand. “He is outwardly social with our friends. When we have company he doesn’t sit in his room the whole time. He seeks out people and talks to them; he even hugs them when he greets someone,” shares Kerri. “Most people who know me have also met my little brother. Mitchel is like most siblings. Growing up we didn’t have a normal brother/sister relationship because he wasn’t interested. He would have rather have spent his time doing his own thing,” said Emily Wallace. “Being around him gave me the chance to see people for who they really are despite not being what is considered “normal.” “Over the last three years as my friendship with Mitchel has grown I realized even my own limited knowledge of Autism was completely shattered by the man that Mitchel has become,” said close family friend Steve Shannon.
“He sees parts of the world that most of us miss. If you have at least one friend in your life that can show you what you are missing, and make you laugh while doing it you are as blessed as I am having Mitchel in my life.” “I was just talking recently about the difference in him,” said close friend, Theresa Shannon. “He has gone from the kid who hoped I would go away if he didn’t acknowledge I was there to the engaging young man I interact with now. He even initiates conversation.” Mitchel has worked through the
vocational internship at Hononegah High School in various local places. “It was a great experience to get to be a part of Mitchel’s education,“ said Mitchel’s case manager, Justin Wieman. Over the years Mitchel has matured so much. From needing support for daily activities to now being able to have independent enjoyment in our local community is a success that should be celebrated by everyone and a testament to Mitchel’s hard work and perseverance.” Mitchel has been working at the
Firehouse Pub in Roscoe for the past couple of years. Just a few months into the job Mitchel was hired in for a paying job. At the time of Mitchel’s diagnosis one in 500 were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Since that time the numbers have significantly changed. Autism is the second most common developmental disorder in the United States. It affects one in every 68 children born today. The most obvious signs of Autism tend to appear between the ages of two
to three years old. Research is crucial. Despite some promising discoveries the cause of Autism is unknown and a cure does not exist. ASD may be characterized in varying degrees in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behavior. ASD can be associated with intellectual disability in motor coordination, attention and physical health issues such as sleep or gastrointestinal disturbances. Some who live with ADS excel in visual skills, math and art.
OLD SETTLERS DAYS
Official Partners 2017 Old Settlers Days Event Guide
Best Ever Entertainment Line Up!! Thursday Night:
Walker McGuire Tyler Farr
Friday Night:
Kassi Ashton The Cadillac Three
Saturday Night:
Jackie Lee Jake Owen
Sunday Night:
Smith Field Trace Adkins
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By Marianne Mueller