The Fernandez family is grateful for the guidance and services provided by CARD, which has made a significant difference in their lives.
Our son Jonathan was diagnosed with autism in November 2017, shortly before his second birthday. As a parent of a child on the spectrum, I can tell you firsthand that the news can be overwhelming, especially with all the mixed information available online. However, organizations like CARD provided my family with much-needed guidance and support in developing a care plan for Jonathan.
CARD helped us sort through the clutter of information and assemble a team of providers to address Jonathan's specific needs. When he was first diagnosed, Jonathan had a severe sensory issue with food. He would only eat pureed food, did not respond to his name, and was nonverbal. Today, Jonathan is thriving in a mainstream classroom, participating in sports activities, and working on catching up to his peers in terms of socialization.
Early intervention is key for children with autism. There is still a lot of incorrect and outdated information about autism circulating, so having a team like CARD on your side makes a big difference.
Being a parent is tough, but being a parent of a child with special needs comes with additional challenges. Programs like "Just for Dads and Moms" support groups administered by UM-NSU CARD provide parents with an opportunity to connect and share their experiences. This is invaluable as they navigate and shape their child's future.
The money raised during this event will support the CARD team and the community it serves.