Support Henry's Autism Journey

We have always held the attitude that we would try to help Henry reach his highest potential. When Henry was diagnosed with autism at two, I remember Faris telling our speech therapist, “I’d get a second mortgage if it would help our son.” The idea took me aback, but I appreciated his earnest desire to do whatever it took! Throughout the last decade, many have helped to support us along the way, and we have seen growth in Henry’s life because of it. And then three years ago, we did what I never thought would be necessary: we refinanced our home, the majority of which we spent to cover Henry’s school tuition, specialists, and more consistent in-home help. We are down to the last penny, but it was so worth it. It brought us to the next level—reliable communication!

Henry’s communication breakthrough began about a year and a half ago, when we read the book Underestimated. Faris and I hopped on a plane with Henry and traveled to San Diego to see the Spelling to Communicate (S2C) practitioner mentioned in the book. At the same time, Henry’s own teacher at school began training to be an S2C practitioner in order to work with Henry more rigorously. His communication was unlocked at last!

Henry describes what it is like to be a nonspeaker like this:

“IMAGINE BEING STUCK INSIDE A HARD METAL PRISON. THAT IS WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BE NONSPEAKING. I SPENT TOO MANY YEARS TRAPPED INSIDE MYSELF. PEOPLE THOUGHT I WAS STUPID BUT I AM SMART, AND I NEED TO FIND WAYS TO HELP THOSE WHO ARE STILL STUCK IN SILENCE.”

This was spelled by pointing to an alphabet letter board. A tedious process made by pointing to each letter with a body that doesn’t cooperate—but still, Henry speaks in the past tense about being imprisoned and desires to help others “still stuck in silence.” We rejoice in this answered prayer of Henry finding his voice even as we see the many milestone markers ahead of us in this marathon.

As we have begun to get to know our own son for the first time, it has come with extreme highs and lows as emotions are expressed for the first time in his thirteen years. One of the things we’ve learned from Henry is how difficult it is for him to regulate and control his body and thus, emotions. He is impulsive, distracted, has difficulty sleeping, and many other behavioral and health challenges.

We believe that with the right tools, Henry can do great things. We also see his limitations more clearly. This has brought us to a key transition point. In order to reach this next level, we need to raise $42,000 for the next 6 months. This is humbling because we would love to independently cover all of Henry’s expenses. Unfortunately state aid/insurance cover only a fraction, and our personal income can’t come close to filling the gap.

The funds, which will go to a completely separate account, would make it possible for Henry to:

If you’d like to support Henry in this key point of transition, please consider giving to this GoFundMe.

When asked what he would like to be able to do in 2024, Henry responded:

TO CONTROL MY BODY BETTER. THAT WOULD MAKE SO MUCH DIFFERENCE IN WHAT I CAN DO FOR MYSELF EVERY DAY.

We are thankful for all of you! Each year we are filled with hope and expectancy as we look towards the One who gives all good gifts. We thank the Lord for the part each of you has played in our journey. Merry Christmas.