Category: Foundation News & Awareness

We have entered the chapter of double digits!
We are celebrating a big milestone in our family this week as Robert turned 10 years old on June 28th. This brought back so many memories from the very first time I heard his heartbeat, to the first time I held him, to hearing him laugh and giggle. Learning how to crawl and to him taking his first steps. To him saying mama for the first time, he may not say if often but when he does its music for my heart.

All those “first moments” came flashing back. So did the moment hearing for the first time your child is autistic. There have been so many beautiful and downright overwhelming moments in these past ten years that as his mother I feel like I have been on one heck of a roller coaster ride. To see him grow, laugh, learn, become more independent and overcome so many obstacles is truly indescribable.

We celebrated the big day by making sure Robert had somewhat of his structured routine as he thrives best under those conditions. We will continue to celebrate all weekend and hope you all enjoy the holiday festivities keeping in mind that our kiddos may not want or need to celebrate in the ways that other children might and that is perfectly ok. We will be skipping any celebrations that include fireworks as those are too overwhelming for Robert. He loves to play with water and in water so we will be heading to the pool at some point. Sometimes keeping things as simple as possible is the best way to go. May you all have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Our application is completed! (YAY!!) We are beyond excited and proud to be able to annouce that our application is complete and we are ready to start helping families just like ours, give their children a voice.

We need your help! We are looking for 5 families who have non-verbal children to test our application. We have been using it in our home with Robert and it truly has made his life so much easier. He is able to communicate a lot more effectively which has led him to experiece less frustration.

Please send us an e-mail at info@givekidsavoice.org with your information so we can send you a device with the application. All we ask is that you send us a copy of the referral for speech therapy as well as a little information about your child so we can make sure we can get these devices in the hands of families who truly could benefit from them.

Thank you all for your continued support throughout this process as it has been a long one.

With much gratitude and excitment,
Isabel Norton

Autism Awareness Day is a time for us to celebrate the unique and incredible individuals within the autism spectrum community. At Give Kids a Voice, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to express themselves and be heard. Today, we want to share the inspiring story of Robert Norton, a young autistic and non-verbal individual, who has found his own way to communicate and thrive in a world that often misunderstands him.

The Challenge of Autism:
Autism is a complex neurological and developmental disorder that affects 1 in 54 children in the United States, according to the CDC. For autistic individuals like Robert, communication and social interaction can be challenging. In Robert’s case, he is non-verbal, which means that he does not use spoken language to communicate.

Discovering Alternative Communication:
Despite facing these challenges, Robert and his family have never given up on finding ways to express themselves. With the help of assistive technology and alternative communication methods, such as the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, Robert has been able to convey his thoughts, feelings, and needs more effectively.

Empowering Autistic Voices:
Robert’s journey serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the autistic community. As we celebrate Autism Awareness Day, it is crucial to remember that empowering autistic individuals to have a voice is vital for their growth and well-being. By providing the necessary tools and support, we can help individuals like Robert overcome communication barriers and feel more included in society.

Fostering Understanding and Acceptance:
As we work together to promote a more inclusive and understanding environment for autistic individuals, it is important to recognize the unique experiences and challenges they face. By educating ourselves and others about autism, we can break down stereotypes, foster acceptance, and create a more inclusive world for all.

Supporting the Autism Community:
At Give Kids a Voice, we are committed to helping autistic children and their families access the resources and support they need. Whether it’s through providing information on alternative communication methods or connecting families with local support groups, we strive to make a difference in the lives of autistic children like Robert.

On this Autism Awareness Day, we hope that you are inspired by Robert Norton’s journey and take the time to learn more about the diverse experiences of autistic individuals. By raising awareness and working together, we can create a world where every child, regardless of their communication abilities, has the opportunity to have their voice heard.

Join us in our mission to empower and support autistic children and their families. Together, we can make a difference!