Griffin's Autism Learning Fund
Donation protected
Hi, we are Kelsie & Ryan Sims, parents of our sweet little boy, Griffin Sims. We found out when Griffin was about 18 months old that he had ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder).
To give you a brief summary, Griffin is a very sweet, loving little boy. He is usually always very happy, smiling, & laughing. He loves to sing, dance, gives hugs, & kisses! Griffin doesn't really speak yet, but he does say a few words like "Go", "More", "Bye-bye". Although at 2 & 1/2 years old, he should be doing a lot more. He gets frustrated very easily over very tiny things like dropping a toy. Sometimes he will bang his head on the floor or slap at people when he doesn't get his way. Because of his sensory issues, he gets overwhelmed very easily. He is kind of in his own little world most of the time. But he is really smart in other areas, like putting puzzles together & singing songs (on key!)
Griffin is a wonderful blessing! We love & cherish him so much. His condition presents many difficulties. We just want to make sure he gets all the education, training, treatment, & help he needs to function in the world. He is involved in several programs: treatment at Vanderbilt, home visits, speech & occupational therapy once a week, & a learning center twice a week (like school) where he can learn & play with kids who have ASD & kids who don't. The learning center is very costly, but it is the place where he learns the most & we can see a big difference. Griffin wouldn't speak before, now he knows a little sign language & how to say a few words. He still has to lead us by hand to show us what he wants. He can't verbally get his thoughts out yet. Since attending the learning center, Griffin can now greet people and is getting better about playing with peers.
We both work full-time jobs. We don't live above our means & still only bring home just enough money each month to pay all of our bills. We have severely fallen behind on Griffin's school payments. Although they have been wonderful and understanding during this difficult time, if we can't catch him up soon, we may have to pull him out of the program. The thought is heartbreaking of not being able to provide for our child's educational needs. This time in his life is a crucial learning & development period.
This money will be used to help us get caught up from the 3 months we've fallen behind on his schooling. Any left over money will be used to buy Griffin things that will help keep him from having his "sensory overload" episodes like a therapy swing or weighted blankets and vests. Things that calm him down.
It means a lot to us that you are reading this. We are thankful for the opportunity to share Griffin's story & so thankful for any amount that anyone is willing to give.
To give you a brief summary, Griffin is a very sweet, loving little boy. He is usually always very happy, smiling, & laughing. He loves to sing, dance, gives hugs, & kisses! Griffin doesn't really speak yet, but he does say a few words like "Go", "More", "Bye-bye". Although at 2 & 1/2 years old, he should be doing a lot more. He gets frustrated very easily over very tiny things like dropping a toy. Sometimes he will bang his head on the floor or slap at people when he doesn't get his way. Because of his sensory issues, he gets overwhelmed very easily. He is kind of in his own little world most of the time. But he is really smart in other areas, like putting puzzles together & singing songs (on key!)
Griffin is a wonderful blessing! We love & cherish him so much. His condition presents many difficulties. We just want to make sure he gets all the education, training, treatment, & help he needs to function in the world. He is involved in several programs: treatment at Vanderbilt, home visits, speech & occupational therapy once a week, & a learning center twice a week (like school) where he can learn & play with kids who have ASD & kids who don't. The learning center is very costly, but it is the place where he learns the most & we can see a big difference. Griffin wouldn't speak before, now he knows a little sign language & how to say a few words. He still has to lead us by hand to show us what he wants. He can't verbally get his thoughts out yet. Since attending the learning center, Griffin can now greet people and is getting better about playing with peers.
We both work full-time jobs. We don't live above our means & still only bring home just enough money each month to pay all of our bills. We have severely fallen behind on Griffin's school payments. Although they have been wonderful and understanding during this difficult time, if we can't catch him up soon, we may have to pull him out of the program. The thought is heartbreaking of not being able to provide for our child's educational needs. This time in his life is a crucial learning & development period.
This money will be used to help us get caught up from the 3 months we've fallen behind on his schooling. Any left over money will be used to buy Griffin things that will help keep him from having his "sensory overload" episodes like a therapy swing or weighted blankets and vests. Things that calm him down.
It means a lot to us that you are reading this. We are thankful for the opportunity to share Griffin's story & so thankful for any amount that anyone is willing to give.
Organizer
Ryan Clark Sims
Organizer
Smyrna, TN