Special Needs Family Needs A Car

Our 1998 van needs more repairs than it's worth. We need transportation not only for work, but our seven year old son with severe Autism desperately needs his ABA, occupational and speech therapies, as well. Currently the places our son receives his therapy do not provide transportation. Having a special needs child is very difficult and rewarding at the same time. That being said, our son needs his therapy to better his overall quality of life. These therapies are SO important at his age. Kingston was diagnosed with Autism at three years old. He began a special education class at school for a half day Monday thru Friday and speech and occupational therapy Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. At three years old he had still never spoken the words "mom" or "dad", not much eye contact. That summer ABA therapy began immediately. Transitions were very difficult. The stress began his self injuous behaviors (he would hit his head on things causing bruises and would dig his fingernails into his arms). By the end of the summer Kingston was doing so much better. He learned so much from ABA. Another school year came which meant changes and a little setbacks. We realized very quickly Kingston has no sense of danger and was a very srtong wandering risk. Fast forward a bit to kindergarten. Our school Freeland Public Schools put in a Autism classroom and went above and beyond our dreams. They provided a classroom where my son can learn at his pace while being surrounded with wonderful people. His incredible teacher and the techs that work with him are amazing! First grade is almost over now and another summer of ABA will begin soon. Where we live it's a 15 mile drive to his therapist where he's supposed to go Monday thru Friday 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. We have to drive him because they don't offer transport. Kingston has benefited so much from ABA therapy. His self injurous behavior is almost completely gone, he makes eye contact, he's more engaging with people, he's learned how to eat with untensils, potty training, getting dressed, sitting still for minutes at a time, etc. Kingston is a very loving boy and we're so proud of him. Every day is a blessing. We hope to be able to get a car to give our son the best life possible.