Agua for Autism: Project Santi (ABA Therapy)

Santiago's Story

 

At the age of about two-and-a-half, Santi was flagged for Autism. We had started to identify some of the signs of Autism, including delayed language and motor skills, focused attention on spinning objects, and other behaviors that didn't quite add up. Soon after, we began receiving support from the Niagara Children's Centre. In December 2020 Santi received an official diagnosis of being on the Autism Spectrum.

Since then we've receive support from government programs but that funding is currently exhausted. Santi's ABA therapy has helped him grow in a number of areas including speech, social engagement skills, and regulating emotions. We're grateful for the amazing work done at Gain, and would like to continue his therapy there one to two days per week. 

Santi is a sweet little boy. He loves airplanes, helicopters, cars and windmills. He loves throwing the ball in the backyard, making puzzles, as well as climbing and sliding at the playground. He loves taking drives in the car, visiting his Abuela, Abuelito, and Oma, and getting hugs and tickles... all the things you might expect from a typical 5 year old! At the same time, Santi has a hard time engaging socially and picking up social cues, can get over-focused on a single object, and is sensitive to transitions and new experiences.  

Empowering Santi's Growth and Development

Would you consider empowering Santi's growth and learning by donating the cost of one day ($385) or one hour ($55) of ABA therapy for Santi? All funds will directly support this evidence-based behavior therapy at the Gain Learning Centre in Fonthill, ON. Sorry we are unable to provide a tax receipt.

Agua For Autism

Agua for Autism is a fundraising project of Tri-Hart Training, and has a goal to raise $20 000 to cover the cost of Santiago's ABA therapy over the 2022-2023 school year.

In 2021 the project raised over $20 000 for special projects in Colombia. This year, the project will contribute all funds towards Autism Support Services for Santiago. Members of the Tri-Hart team are participating in extraordinary events such as an Iron Man Triathlon, Lake Ontario Crossing, and an Ultra Marathon. We'll post updates over the coming months around these amazing activities as they take place!

Gratitude

We're grateful every day for the amazing blessing that Santi is to us. We know he'll continue to do great things, and surprise us, as he does on a daily basis. We also full of gratitude for the family, friends, support workers, teachers and therapists who are a part of Santi's life, helping him to overcome the different challenges he faces, and grow into the person he's meant to be with a thriving joyful spirit.