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On July 11, 2016, the Dickinsons were settling in for a normal Monday evening. David was heading to Acousticafe with his guitar in hand for a night friends. Katie was cleaning up dinner and preparing to watch a movie with Gideon (13), Henry (11) and Teddy (8). Most of you know that Katie and David adopted their boys from foster care in 2006 and 2008 respectively. Trauma experienced by all three boys prior to their adoptive placements manifests in different ways in each of the boys. Gideon went the first 1,277 days of his life without a consistent primary care giver. He was in some loving foster homes, abusive ones and his birth home where at 17 months of age he kept a newly born Henry alive for 6 weeks. At 18 months, he was injured during an episode of domestic violence between his birth parents. His injury lead him to the ER, prompting CYS to investigate the home where Henry was discovered at home, alone, neglected but safe.
All who meet Gideon comment on his polite curiosity, his compassion, and his respectful yet outgoing personality; however, Gideon's PTSD and Autism manifest themselves in episodes of rage and aggression. With sacrifice and "good choices" the Dickinsons were able to keep everyone in the family safe until Monday July 11th.
During one of Gideon's aggressive confrontations, he picked up a bass cabinet (large amp for a bass guitar) and threw it at David's feet breaking his left ankle. When Gideon realized the line he had crossed, he exited the home. Katie and David had already made the decision to call 911 when Gideon came back inside, sat down, and asked his parents to call for help.
When EMT's and police arrived, they found a calm household and Gideon prepared to take responsibility for his actions. (Law Enforcement is not pursuing charges and Teddy was not present during this episode.)
Gideon willingly confessed and desired to sign himself into Southwood Hospital (Pediatric Psych.) Gideon is now residing in a small therapeutic residence for boys on the Autism Spectrum. He will be living there for the next 120 days with visits home. He will continue living there until his parents and treatment team feel he can begin a transition back to the home.
David's ankle required one surgery and he has not worked in 30 days. It will be 3 more weeks before he can bear weight on his left foot. The Dickinsons will be without income for at least a total of 90 days during the busiest months of David's year. Fortunately, their simple lifestyle and savings have allowed them to weather the first weeks of this journey. While health insurance covers David and Gideon's medical and therapeutic needs, this situation does not qualify for disability or other compensation.
Please join us in contributing to this family's living expenses. While this event is traumatic and stressful, Gideon's willingness to ask for help and accept responsibility for his actions is a testament to Katie and David's daily sacrifices.
The Dickinsons are committed to this journey with Gideon and it is his desire to return to his family. This is a physically and emotionally tumultuous season and we want Katie and David to have the freedom to meet their children's needs without added financial stress.
All who meet Gideon comment on his polite curiosity, his compassion, and his respectful yet outgoing personality; however, Gideon's PTSD and Autism manifest themselves in episodes of rage and aggression. With sacrifice and "good choices" the Dickinsons were able to keep everyone in the family safe until Monday July 11th.
During one of Gideon's aggressive confrontations, he picked up a bass cabinet (large amp for a bass guitar) and threw it at David's feet breaking his left ankle. When Gideon realized the line he had crossed, he exited the home. Katie and David had already made the decision to call 911 when Gideon came back inside, sat down, and asked his parents to call for help.
When EMT's and police arrived, they found a calm household and Gideon prepared to take responsibility for his actions. (Law Enforcement is not pursuing charges and Teddy was not present during this episode.)
Gideon willingly confessed and desired to sign himself into Southwood Hospital (Pediatric Psych.) Gideon is now residing in a small therapeutic residence for boys on the Autism Spectrum. He will be living there for the next 120 days with visits home. He will continue living there until his parents and treatment team feel he can begin a transition back to the home.
David's ankle required one surgery and he has not worked in 30 days. It will be 3 more weeks before he can bear weight on his left foot. The Dickinsons will be without income for at least a total of 90 days during the busiest months of David's year. Fortunately, their simple lifestyle and savings have allowed them to weather the first weeks of this journey. While health insurance covers David and Gideon's medical and therapeutic needs, this situation does not qualify for disability or other compensation.
Please join us in contributing to this family's living expenses. While this event is traumatic and stressful, Gideon's willingness to ask for help and accept responsibility for his actions is a testament to Katie and David's daily sacrifices.
The Dickinsons are committed to this journey with Gideon and it is his desire to return to his family. This is a physically and emotionally tumultuous season and we want Katie and David to have the freedom to meet their children's needs without added financial stress.
Organizer
Katie Augustine Dickinson
Organizer
Ambridge, PA