A Better Living Experience for Alexander
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What is Autistic Spectrum Disorder?
Autism spectrum disorders include social, communication, and behavioral challenges. These problems can be mild, severe, or somewhere in between.
Early diagnosis is important, because early treatment can make a big difference.
Alexander where does mommy start with you? You were my angel baby, you were my rainbow baby, you were everything that as good, pure and precious that came from me. I never thought I could have babies until I had you. You still and will forever hold my whole heart.
My name is AlexisRae Soto, and back in March 2019. My son Alexander 2 yrs old, was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. At the time, for the first time in his life where he needed me most, I was not there due to selfish decisions that landed me incarcerated for the first time in my life at the age of 23. Alexander and I have had a bond that has been inseparable since the day his was born literally. I was so obsessed with him, I stood up for the whole 3 days in the hospital, because I didn’t want not one nurse to touch nor did I want him to roll over and suffocate. He was perfect, and he was all mine.
Alexander filled every whole, bruise and scar on me when he was born. Before him I was truly in nothing but a state of pain. I lost my mother when I was 17 and she was my best friend and I lost her unexpectedly and I have never felt love like that again until I gave birth to my baby boy when I was 20. Truly never thought I had to heal, I felt like my son took all the pain away from me.
Alexander was nearly a month old, until I found out I was going to have his sister, Annastacia. I knew he was too good to be true. Truly the perfect baby, never cried, slept through the night, and even at two years old he is still the perfect baby. My Annastacia came and brought all the fire her with her. They are exactly 11 months apart and are the same age for 6 weeks out of year, Irish Twins.
The lack of knowledge and honesty about what can happen to your hormones after babies is something that I feel like is still not taking seriously to this day. Shortly after my daughter was born, I was spiraling out of control and fast. I did not feel like myself, my thoughts did not feel like mine. For the first time in my life I started getting in trouble with the law, and admitted myself to a voluntary intake mental health center. I was diagnosed with High Anxiety, Type 2 BiPolar Disorder and Post-Partum Depression. Most people live there whole lives not knowing they have Type 2 BiPolar Disorder but because of the Post-Partum Depression it had made me counteract and send me through numerous maniac episodes. I stayed for a month, was out, on medication felt great. Came home and never seen a therapist, and stopped taking my medication.
Being level headed now and looking back at my life, my ambition and my goal was to always be the best mother, the best toys, the happiest babies, the best strollers, the nicest clothes. The mental mindset that I was in, I was in denial that my baby boy needed help because he was perfect to me. But he was a year and half still not speaking, had meltdowns were he would bang his head so hard I thought he would knock himself out, he loved to line things up in a straight line, he would pull little strings out of towels and line them up for hours. But had the problem solving skills that I don’t think even some college graduates have.
Being in a unhealthy mindset, and believing I had to do the legal and illegal thing to make sure my family had everything no matter the cost. A mother who has been with both of her children since the day they were born had landed herself incarcerated on September 1, 2018. My life was never the same. I had such a reality shock, that I did 8 months was in 4 different jails in two states. Something that I thought I would never go through. I was always straight As and always had the best things in life, how could I get caught? At least that’s what I thought the first two weeks in jail.
It took me 8 months, therapists, psychiatrist, fights, and even Hole Time which is called Disciplinary Segregation and you are in the a cell 23 hours a day, get 20 minutes to shower and 40 minutes for recreation but you are in a full 48 hours on the weekend. I went from how could I get caught? To how could I be so selfish to put myself in those positions to wind up losing time what my most prized possessions my children. It was not what I wanted but it was what I needed to realize, It’s okay to need help, it’s okay to heal, it’s okay to be medicated if it’s not hurting you but making you rational. This what society does to us moms that have no idea what we put our bodies through and it is just swept under the rug after our children are born.
I was blessed enough to not loose custody of my children because of my Grandmother, who I signed temporary guardianship to and of course she spoiled my kids rotten for 8 months. As well as took care of me while I was incarcerated. My children and myself would not truly be where we are today if it was not for her. My baby boy Alexander would have not ever got the help that he needed because I just couldn’t stand the thought of my child having something wrong with him. He was my perfect boy and nobody could tell me nothing.
Myself AlexisRae, and My Grandmother Camille. Pregnant with my beautiful baby boy Alexander.
Alexander and his Great Grandmother, Camille. The day he was born.
Alexander, at about 7 months. His Great Grandmother is holding him in the new coat and hat she bought him.
While I was still incarcerated, March of 2019 my grandmother to my son to the best Autism Spectrum Specialist in Pennsylvania. Alexander was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum but he is extremely lovable, loves to be hug, and touched and held and would lay and cuddle with me for hours and still does. After that day, my grandmother did everything in her power to make sure he had every company from Early Intervention to Pathways to Monroe Carbon Pike Mental Health Services. To make sure he got a Speech Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Behavior Analysts and a Therapeutic Therapist.
Myself, his mother AlexisRae and my son Alexander at 6 months.
Myself, and Alexander at 8 months.
I came home April 15, 2019. I promised myself I was coming home to be nothing but the best mother and teacher and make up for all the lost time because they might not remember when they are older, but I will never forget it.
I came out of incarceration with need and want to enroll back in college, finish my degree. Get a job as another store manager or server which ever I could obtain first. I needed to take care of us like I always did my first instinct. But it turned out completely different than I ever would of thought.
Alexander and his auntie Faith, that he does not get to see that often because she is pursing Pharmacology at the University of California. But has done everything for Alexander and Annastacia since they were born.
My son needed me.He needed me to teach him, he needed me to sit with him and his teachers and learn what they were teaching him to make sure I put it in his daily routine. Then when they fell asleep at night, I swore I was exhausted. I spent hours, and broke nights reading story after story. Diagnoses on the Autism Spectrum and how they are all different. How they have sensory overloads, and the meltdowns, and the weird habits with food. No eye contact, did not really care about playing with other children. Was always just intent with what he was working with and could play for hours. I just always thought he was a kid who just didn’t care about talking and liked being in his own world.
Alexander 1st haircut at age 1 almost 2 in July 2018, now all his curls are back.
I realized after they cut my sons insurance off, and they just did evaluation for the behavioral therapist. He now lost the behavior therapist and therapeutic specialist. The one he needed the most. The state cut his insurance because i just came home, and they were no longer in my grandmothers care but now they were in my care. I have to reapply for all benefits took me a month a half to get the benefits back. In that month I realized my perfect baby boy was still my perfect baby boy he just needed a little more help than other children. We were going to get it no matter what it took.
Alexander and Myself, with his sister Annastacia in my belly I was about 8 months pregnant here.
This is my princess and Alexander younger sister, Annastacia Benton, born on July 15, 2017.
One month old Annastacia, and one year old Alexander.
Alexander got his insurance back, as well as I started receiving food stamps and cash for them. Due to my own choices most of my money goes to parole monthly and then the rest goes to my children for hygiene, diapers, wipes and whatever else they need. Alexander being on the Autism Spectrum, and having 4 sometimes 5 Therapist come see him during the week kept me exempt from being able to do the job program the state wanted me to do. His Autism Specialist, faxed his diagnosis to the county assistance office. Since May of 2019, I am officially Alexander’s Caregiver.
Annastacia 6 months old, Alexander 17 months old.
About a month ago, the county Assistance Office sent me a letter stating I had to apply for Supplemental Security Income for him, if not I would loose the benefits. I called and had my interview July 9, 2019. Now I am waiting until November to find if they are going to approve his claim.
My babies, Alexander and Annastacia. #TheATeam #SupportTheATeam
Early Intervention Coordinator sent in a referral to the Intermediate Unit Pre-K for children with developmental delays. Which was amazing so many parents wanted there children to go but it was extremely hard to get enrolled. But my boy got the interview, in the beginning of June and got approved. Autistic children that receive the most help in the ages of 2-4 have a much better chance of outgrowing it and actually being more productive as they get older. He is now currently going back every week for observations. He is high in sensory, tough in sleep, and transitioning is our hardest thing right now. As well as he still does not speak.
I finally thought, I would be able to receive some help for him and the things he needs, and the things we need as a whole when I was told he was going to get Social Security Disability and all the things he can get help with after he is approved. I did not prepare for 5 month gap.
I do not have a vehicle, which makes it extremely hard to take him to all his appointments, as well as the Autism Center he can be going to play with children like himself as well as the sensory toys that he needs, as for the chew jewelry, the climb equipment, the sack to keep him compressed to help with the meltdowns, the sensory brush to bring him relief when he can’t calm down or when he is hitting his head so hard he makes me wanna cry. It is Alexander, Annastacia and me. My daughter will be two on July 15 and Alexander will be 3 on August 25. After his birthday he will start his head start. As well as still receive his behavioral analyst and therapeutic specialist. He will receive his speech therapist, and his occupational therapist in the head start as well as have a full time behavioral teacher with him at all times.
Alexander has progressed so much in the short time that he has had help, I pray it is only up from here. I am truly in a financial burden, without receiving the same attention and the same solutions to his melt downs to keep the same routine to help alleviate them all together. With the proper speech and occupational learning toys we cannot be consistent at home to make a habit of it. As well as me not having a vehicle and not being able to work until his claim is approved. I truly don’t know how we are going to get through the next 5 months especially when he starts school in August.
I have grown and changed and realized it does not matter what I look like asking for help for my family because it is all for my children. I am here for them. I am here to be everything they need and more. 8 months ago, I would deny he even needed help. But I have never been happier to help and watch him grow with all the things that you consistently teach them because when they make a break through. It’s like you know why God made me this parent to because we are going to tackle every obstacle babyboy. I am truly asking for support for my son Alexander and Annastacia, and to help me obtain a vehicle a used vehicle to just get us a all from point A to be point B. I am asking for help for all his sensory objects, for his coping mechanisms with his swing, with his sack to compress him. He is still completely mute, without the proper speech toys, I cannot do much. I am asking for help for when he goes back to school, all his back to school needs, from clothes, to all his coping toys that he will need with him to keep him calm in a different setting.
I am truly asking for a helping hand, for my perfect baby boy that deserves nothing but the best, and I am dreading just the thought until November not being able to do what I need for them.
This is coming from a mother, a survivor, a special needs mom, as well as mom to a one year old daughter going on 15, as well as a former inmate, as well as a former college student, as well as a mental health survivor. Anything you can do for me and my family will be more than appreciated. If you would like to mail the children anything, you can contact me on Facebook Lex Banks, I will give you an address. Thank you for taking your time to read or even be concerned about my family, we appreciate every blessing even if you can’t help. God blesses all, and never puts you a place your are not suppose to be.
I am going to show all the progress as we endure on our journey. Here are a few toys that are the best for Alexander due to my research and all his therapists. He had high sensory, he needs coping toys for his meltdowns as sometimes they are getting worst due to the lack of coping toys I have. He also runs really hard right into you or he’ll do it right into the wall and hurt himself, bang his head on the floor, wall, cabinet anything that he can pretty much find. He is still completely mute does not speak, when he’s really upset I’ll be lucky if I get a mama once in a while. He loves to climb, any obstacle at any height with no fear . He spins consistently, run back and fourth for hours. As well as he had the hand flapping. But still the most lovable, happy, joyful baby. #AlexanderAndAnnastacia #TheATeam #SupportTheATeam
At-Home Jungle Gym: $510.87
Senesa Rocker : $149.00
Sensory Pea Pod: $79.00
Body Sox: $39.99
Sensory Awareness Rug: $345.00
Magna Sensory Building Blocks :$119.00
Chewy Tabs : $89.95
VibraDrem Sensory Massager: $41.99
Airwalker Therapy Swing: $295.00
Picture Communication Starter Kit: $109.00
Most Important For His Speech
Anything that is purchased with the money that is raised will be posted! And will be thanked gracefully for even the small things. Anything I choose to purchase with the money for the children will be posted, as well that anything is sent in the mail to the babies will be posted. If we are blessed enough to get a new vehicle, that will be posted as well. God bless! Remember God gives his strongest soldiers the toughest battles.
Autism spectrum disorders include social, communication, and behavioral challenges. These problems can be mild, severe, or somewhere in between.
Early diagnosis is important, because early treatment can make a big difference.
Alexander where does mommy start with you? You were my angel baby, you were my rainbow baby, you were everything that as good, pure and precious that came from me. I never thought I could have babies until I had you. You still and will forever hold my whole heart. My name is AlexisRae Soto, and back in March 2019. My son Alexander 2 yrs old, was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. At the time, for the first time in his life where he needed me most, I was not there due to selfish decisions that landed me incarcerated for the first time in my life at the age of 23. Alexander and I have had a bond that has been inseparable since the day his was born literally. I was so obsessed with him, I stood up for the whole 3 days in the hospital, because I didn’t want not one nurse to touch nor did I want him to roll over and suffocate. He was perfect, and he was all mine.
Alexander filled every whole, bruise and scar on me when he was born. Before him I was truly in nothing but a state of pain. I lost my mother when I was 17 and she was my best friend and I lost her unexpectedly and I have never felt love like that again until I gave birth to my baby boy when I was 20. Truly never thought I had to heal, I felt like my son took all the pain away from me.
Alexander was nearly a month old, until I found out I was going to have his sister, Annastacia. I knew he was too good to be true. Truly the perfect baby, never cried, slept through the night, and even at two years old he is still the perfect baby. My Annastacia came and brought all the fire her with her. They are exactly 11 months apart and are the same age for 6 weeks out of year, Irish Twins.
The lack of knowledge and honesty about what can happen to your hormones after babies is something that I feel like is still not taking seriously to this day. Shortly after my daughter was born, I was spiraling out of control and fast. I did not feel like myself, my thoughts did not feel like mine. For the first time in my life I started getting in trouble with the law, and admitted myself to a voluntary intake mental health center. I was diagnosed with High Anxiety, Type 2 BiPolar Disorder and Post-Partum Depression. Most people live there whole lives not knowing they have Type 2 BiPolar Disorder but because of the Post-Partum Depression it had made me counteract and send me through numerous maniac episodes. I stayed for a month, was out, on medication felt great. Came home and never seen a therapist, and stopped taking my medication.
Being level headed now and looking back at my life, my ambition and my goal was to always be the best mother, the best toys, the happiest babies, the best strollers, the nicest clothes. The mental mindset that I was in, I was in denial that my baby boy needed help because he was perfect to me. But he was a year and half still not speaking, had meltdowns were he would bang his head so hard I thought he would knock himself out, he loved to line things up in a straight line, he would pull little strings out of towels and line them up for hours. But had the problem solving skills that I don’t think even some college graduates have.
Being in a unhealthy mindset, and believing I had to do the legal and illegal thing to make sure my family had everything no matter the cost. A mother who has been with both of her children since the day they were born had landed herself incarcerated on September 1, 2018. My life was never the same. I had such a reality shock, that I did 8 months was in 4 different jails in two states. Something that I thought I would never go through. I was always straight As and always had the best things in life, how could I get caught? At least that’s what I thought the first two weeks in jail.
It took me 8 months, therapists, psychiatrist, fights, and even Hole Time which is called Disciplinary Segregation and you are in the a cell 23 hours a day, get 20 minutes to shower and 40 minutes for recreation but you are in a full 48 hours on the weekend. I went from how could I get caught? To how could I be so selfish to put myself in those positions to wind up losing time what my most prized possessions my children. It was not what I wanted but it was what I needed to realize, It’s okay to need help, it’s okay to heal, it’s okay to be medicated if it’s not hurting you but making you rational. This what society does to us moms that have no idea what we put our bodies through and it is just swept under the rug after our children are born.
I was blessed enough to not loose custody of my children because of my Grandmother, who I signed temporary guardianship to and of course she spoiled my kids rotten for 8 months. As well as took care of me while I was incarcerated. My children and myself would not truly be where we are today if it was not for her. My baby boy Alexander would have not ever got the help that he needed because I just couldn’t stand the thought of my child having something wrong with him. He was my perfect boy and nobody could tell me nothing.
Myself AlexisRae, and My Grandmother Camille. Pregnant with my beautiful baby boy Alexander.
Alexander and his Great Grandmother, Camille. The day he was born.
Alexander, at about 7 months. His Great Grandmother is holding him in the new coat and hat she bought him.
While I was still incarcerated, March of 2019 my grandmother to my son to the best Autism Spectrum Specialist in Pennsylvania. Alexander was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum but he is extremely lovable, loves to be hug, and touched and held and would lay and cuddle with me for hours and still does. After that day, my grandmother did everything in her power to make sure he had every company from Early Intervention to Pathways to Monroe Carbon Pike Mental Health Services. To make sure he got a Speech Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Behavior Analysts and a Therapeutic Therapist.
Myself, his mother AlexisRae and my son Alexander at 6 months.
Myself, and Alexander at 8 months.
I came home April 15, 2019. I promised myself I was coming home to be nothing but the best mother and teacher and make up for all the lost time because they might not remember when they are older, but I will never forget it.
I came out of incarceration with need and want to enroll back in college, finish my degree. Get a job as another store manager or server which ever I could obtain first. I needed to take care of us like I always did my first instinct. But it turned out completely different than I ever would of thought.
Alexander and his auntie Faith, that he does not get to see that often because she is pursing Pharmacology at the University of California. But has done everything for Alexander and Annastacia since they were born.
My son needed me.He needed me to teach him, he needed me to sit with him and his teachers and learn what they were teaching him to make sure I put it in his daily routine. Then when they fell asleep at night, I swore I was exhausted. I spent hours, and broke nights reading story after story. Diagnoses on the Autism Spectrum and how they are all different. How they have sensory overloads, and the meltdowns, and the weird habits with food. No eye contact, did not really care about playing with other children. Was always just intent with what he was working with and could play for hours. I just always thought he was a kid who just didn’t care about talking and liked being in his own world.
Alexander 1st haircut at age 1 almost 2 in July 2018, now all his curls are back.
I realized after they cut my sons insurance off, and they just did evaluation for the behavioral therapist. He now lost the behavior therapist and therapeutic specialist. The one he needed the most. The state cut his insurance because i just came home, and they were no longer in my grandmothers care but now they were in my care. I have to reapply for all benefits took me a month a half to get the benefits back. In that month I realized my perfect baby boy was still my perfect baby boy he just needed a little more help than other children. We were going to get it no matter what it took.
Alexander and Myself, with his sister Annastacia in my belly I was about 8 months pregnant here.
This is my princess and Alexander younger sister, Annastacia Benton, born on July 15, 2017.
One month old Annastacia, and one year old Alexander.
Alexander got his insurance back, as well as I started receiving food stamps and cash for them. Due to my own choices most of my money goes to parole monthly and then the rest goes to my children for hygiene, diapers, wipes and whatever else they need. Alexander being on the Autism Spectrum, and having 4 sometimes 5 Therapist come see him during the week kept me exempt from being able to do the job program the state wanted me to do. His Autism Specialist, faxed his diagnosis to the county assistance office. Since May of 2019, I am officially Alexander’s Caregiver.
Annastacia 6 months old, Alexander 17 months old.
About a month ago, the county Assistance Office sent me a letter stating I had to apply for Supplemental Security Income for him, if not I would loose the benefits. I called and had my interview July 9, 2019. Now I am waiting until November to find if they are going to approve his claim.
My babies, Alexander and Annastacia. #TheATeam #SupportTheATeam
Early Intervention Coordinator sent in a referral to the Intermediate Unit Pre-K for children with developmental delays. Which was amazing so many parents wanted there children to go but it was extremely hard to get enrolled. But my boy got the interview, in the beginning of June and got approved. Autistic children that receive the most help in the ages of 2-4 have a much better chance of outgrowing it and actually being more productive as they get older. He is now currently going back every week for observations. He is high in sensory, tough in sleep, and transitioning is our hardest thing right now. As well as he still does not speak.
I finally thought, I would be able to receive some help for him and the things he needs, and the things we need as a whole when I was told he was going to get Social Security Disability and all the things he can get help with after he is approved. I did not prepare for 5 month gap.
I do not have a vehicle, which makes it extremely hard to take him to all his appointments, as well as the Autism Center he can be going to play with children like himself as well as the sensory toys that he needs, as for the chew jewelry, the climb equipment, the sack to keep him compressed to help with the meltdowns, the sensory brush to bring him relief when he can’t calm down or when he is hitting his head so hard he makes me wanna cry. It is Alexander, Annastacia and me. My daughter will be two on July 15 and Alexander will be 3 on August 25. After his birthday he will start his head start. As well as still receive his behavioral analyst and therapeutic specialist. He will receive his speech therapist, and his occupational therapist in the head start as well as have a full time behavioral teacher with him at all times.
Alexander has progressed so much in the short time that he has had help, I pray it is only up from here. I am truly in a financial burden, without receiving the same attention and the same solutions to his melt downs to keep the same routine to help alleviate them all together. With the proper speech and occupational learning toys we cannot be consistent at home to make a habit of it. As well as me not having a vehicle and not being able to work until his claim is approved. I truly don’t know how we are going to get through the next 5 months especially when he starts school in August.
I have grown and changed and realized it does not matter what I look like asking for help for my family because it is all for my children. I am here for them. I am here to be everything they need and more. 8 months ago, I would deny he even needed help. But I have never been happier to help and watch him grow with all the things that you consistently teach them because when they make a break through. It’s like you know why God made me this parent to because we are going to tackle every obstacle babyboy. I am truly asking for support for my son Alexander and Annastacia, and to help me obtain a vehicle a used vehicle to just get us a all from point A to be point B. I am asking for help for all his sensory objects, for his coping mechanisms with his swing, with his sack to compress him. He is still completely mute, without the proper speech toys, I cannot do much. I am asking for help for when he goes back to school, all his back to school needs, from clothes, to all his coping toys that he will need with him to keep him calm in a different setting.
I am truly asking for a helping hand, for my perfect baby boy that deserves nothing but the best, and I am dreading just the thought until November not being able to do what I need for them.
This is coming from a mother, a survivor, a special needs mom, as well as mom to a one year old daughter going on 15, as well as a former inmate, as well as a former college student, as well as a mental health survivor. Anything you can do for me and my family will be more than appreciated. If you would like to mail the children anything, you can contact me on Facebook Lex Banks, I will give you an address. Thank you for taking your time to read or even be concerned about my family, we appreciate every blessing even if you can’t help. God blesses all, and never puts you a place your are not suppose to be.
I am going to show all the progress as we endure on our journey. Here are a few toys that are the best for Alexander due to my research and all his therapists. He had high sensory, he needs coping toys for his meltdowns as sometimes they are getting worst due to the lack of coping toys I have. He also runs really hard right into you or he’ll do it right into the wall and hurt himself, bang his head on the floor, wall, cabinet anything that he can pretty much find. He is still completely mute does not speak, when he’s really upset I’ll be lucky if I get a mama once in a while. He loves to climb, any obstacle at any height with no fear . He spins consistently, run back and fourth for hours. As well as he had the hand flapping. But still the most lovable, happy, joyful baby. #AlexanderAndAnnastacia #TheATeam #SupportTheATeam
At-Home Jungle Gym: $510.87
Senesa Rocker : $149.00
Sensory Pea Pod: $79.00
Body Sox: $39.99
Sensory Awareness Rug: $345.00
Magna Sensory Building Blocks :$119.00
Chewy Tabs : $89.95
VibraDrem Sensory Massager: $41.99
Airwalker Therapy Swing: $295.00
Picture Communication Starter Kit: $109.00
Most Important For His Speech
Anything that is purchased with the money that is raised will be posted! And will be thanked gracefully for even the small things. Anything I choose to purchase with the money for the children will be posted, as well that anything is sent in the mail to the babies will be posted. If we are blessed enough to get a new vehicle, that will be posted as well. God bless! Remember God gives his strongest soldiers the toughest battles.
Organizer
Lex Banks
Organizer
Tobyhanna Township, PA
