Joan Townsend was a favorite teacher of Tonia Breeding and Heather Rogers here. The trio developed a mutual admiration that blossomed into a friendship a few years later after Breeding and Rogers became adults.
The women are confident that God brought them together because of a future occurrence they would share – they each became a mother of an autistic child.
“I believe God intervened in our lives,” said Breeding. “He knew what he was doing, and we’re glad that He did.”
The women have relied on each other as they’ve charted their courses through the maze of autism, and now they’re hoping they can help others by lending their collective experience at an organizational meeting of an autism support group here Thursday, April 15. The event is planned for 6:30 p.m. at Centennial Fellowship Church, located at 1400 Centennial Lane (off West Holland Avenue, west of Interstate 530). The program is open to families and friends of autistic and other special-needs persons.
“My hope is that this support group will become a resource,” said Breeding. “We want people who have autistic children or other family members to know that they’re not alone.
“There are agencies available to offer money and support, and many insurance companies are expanding their coverage of autism.
“And just as importantly, there’s a network of friends readily available.”
“We can show others what we’ve learned,” said Townsend. “We’ve been able to learn as we’ve gone along in the process of caring for our children.”
The women believe there are approximately 12 White Hall School District families with autistic children.
Townsend’s son, Luke, is a WHHS junior and the eldest of the women’s autistic children. Rogers’ son, Jacob, and Breeding’s son, Moe, are both 13.
Although they’re not seeking a “pity party,” the mothers naturally wish their sons weren’t autistic and admit they initially struggled with their children’s disability.
“But I’ve never once asked, ‘What if?’” Rogers said. “I wouldn’t trade Jacob for a million dollars.
“I wouldn’t have opted out of this experience, but I would have liked an earlier diagnosis and intervention.”
Townsend said her family wouldn’t swap their lives with Luke “for anything.”
“I would like to be a millionaire and know he’ll be taken care of after I’m gone, but every mother worries about that with all of her children,” she said.
Breeding said the women’s autistic sons have only “added” to their lives.
“We wouldn’t be who we are if our sons weren’t like they are,” said Breeding.
Her friends contently agreed.
Joan Townsend was a favorite teacher of Tonia Breeding and Heather Rogers here. The trio developed a mutual admiration that blossomed into a friendship a few years later after Breeding and Rogers became adults.
The women are confident that God brought them together because of a future occurrence they would share – they each became a mother of an autistic child.
“I believe God intervened in our lives,” said Breeding. “He knew what he was doing, and we’re glad that He did.”
The women have relied on each other as they’ve charted their courses through the maze of autism, and now they’re hoping they can help others by lending their collective experience at an organizational meeting of an autism support group here Thursday, April 15. The event is planned for 6:30 p.m. at Centennial Fellowship Church, located at 1400 Centennial Lane (off West Holland Avenue, west of Interstate 530). The program is open to families and friends of autistic and other special-needs persons.
“My hope is that this support group will become a resource,” said Breeding. “We want people who have autistic children or other family members to know that they’re not alone.
“There are agencies available to offer money and support, and many insurance companies are expanding their coverage of autism.
“And just as importantly, there’s a network of friends readily available.”
“We can show others what we’ve learned,” said Townsend. “We’ve been able to learn as we’ve gone along in the process of caring for our children.”
The women believe there are approximately 12 White Hall School District families with autistic children.
Townsend’s son, Luke, is a WHHS junior and the eldest of the women’s autistic children. Rogers’ son, Jacob, and Breeding’s son, Moe, are both 13.
Although they’re not seeking a “pity party,” the mothers naturally wish their sons weren’t autistic and admit they initially struggled with their children’s disability.
“But I’ve never once asked, ‘What if?’” Rogers said. “I wouldn’t trade Jacob for a million dollars.
“I wouldn’t have opted out of this experience, but I would have liked an earlier diagnosis and intervention.”
Townsend said her family wouldn’t swap their lives with Luke “for anything.”
“I would like to be a millionaire and know he’ll be taken care of after I’m gone, but every mother worries about that with all of her children,” she said.
Breeding said the women’s autistic sons have only “added” to their lives.
“We wouldn’t be who we are if our sons weren’t like they are,” said Breeding.
Her friends contently agreed.
