Caleb was Diagnosed with Autism at the age of 3.
Prior to Caleb’s Diagnosis, he was unable to complete full audible phrases and barely spoke 5 words. His family members were informed by experts that Speech would be a struggle as Caleb grows older. Sleeping through the night, as most toddlers, did not come easy for him either; Caleb’s Parents would play movies throughout the night in order to keep him calm. In addition to Caleb’s speech impediment, he had to adapt to this new world through his heightened senses of Sound and Touch. Something so simple as the fabric of his clothing or a unique texture from a book would make him uncomfortable. After being further educated on Caleb’s frustrations, his parents placed him in physical/occupational therapy to work on sensory issues, fine motor skills, and coping mechanisms.
Miracle in the Works
Growing up as a child with Autism in the early 2000’s, it was projected that Caleb would be behind pace of the average public school student in Northwest Georgia. The Specialists predicted Caleb would have to stay in high school as late as 24 years of age. At the age of 8 years old, he was heavily recommended to be on medication. Concerned with Caleb’s growth, his mother decided to involve Caleb in church with his two brothers on top of the therapy sessions. After years of prayer and perseverance, there were major strides in Caleb’s growth. Feel free to review the challenges below that he was able to overcome.
Stimulants and Medicine
From the ages of 8 to 10, Caleb was prescribed a stimulant to assist with emotional stabilization and his sensory concerns. After that, he was taken off the stimulant and was able to mature naturally over the next 10 years. It is a blessing that Caleb was able to grow in his independency and break major strides for everyone with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Education
With the assistance of the wonderful women running the Special Education Department at Cartersville City Schools, Caleb graduated with his class at 18 years of age. That is 3 to 6 years ahead of his projected graduation date before completing Junior High. Getting to graduate on time, despite the difficulties, is nothing short of a miracle.
Post-Graduation.
During the early years of studying ASD, it was feared that Caleb would struggle with an occupation once he completed his education. However, Caleb was able to begin a part time job with Kroger at the age of 17. Once he graduated, Caleb was able to be assigned more tasks and sharpen his skills though the workforce. He is currently still with Kroger today and loves assisting the community.
LLC: LiveLikeCaleb 