World Autism Day: Thadd Eason. Tomorrow, April 2nd is World Autism Day.
As a teacher, I have had students with Autism in my class. World Autism Day has always been an important day to celebrate those who have this diagnosis. It is also a great day to make our students aware that EVERYONE is different and unique in their own way– Not just those with special needs.
However, NOW World Autism Day is even more special to me. Seven years ago, when I was dating my now husband, I was introduced to Thadd. My husband’s youngest son.
THADD.
What a fabulously, special, unique, bright, hilarious, talented…(I could go on and on) kiddo.
Thadd just turned 18 and is a Senior graduating this year. After high school, he will be attending the Academy that is a part of the school district we live in. At this Academy, he will learn more life skills, prepare for having a job someday, go to different locations to practice the skills he will need in order to be successful at having a job.
I CANNOT say enough WONDERFUL things about our sweet boy!
World Autism Day: Thadd Eason
- He is FULL of joy, which in turns brings an abundant amount of joy to our household.
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- He prays before EVERY SINGLE meal AND before he goes to bed each night. The best part about this is that he prays out loud for all to hear. ❤️🙏🏼
- He is one of the most talented and artistic kiddos that I have ever known! He loves to sculpt, draw, paint, you name it!
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He is into eating SUPER healthy
- He knows any statistic you want to know about saturated fats, protein, sugars, organic, non-GMO, etc. He cooks all of his own meals (by choice). When I say cook…I mean he makes his own bread, his own potato chips, bakes fish, loves to eat any kind of bean, eggs, ALL the things! He is now into making his own homemade hermit crab food for his beloved crabs Scout and Dory. He dehydrates vegetables and fruits, and he breaks eggs up and crunches the eggshells for them too. (Even though he uses NEW eggs, and I have personally witnessed him using at least (6) eggs for this one time…throwing out the egg itself and just using the shells.) 🫣
- He has a goal to become bilingual … and Spanish is his other chosen language. He will greet us each morning in Spanish vs. English.
- He works out with the Special Strong program with his golden-hearted trainer, Manju. (Special Strong is a workout program for those with special needs. Manju is so inspiring and has made such a bond with him it brings tears to my eyes.) He always talks about being strong and fit. (He has lost over 40+ pounds since I first met him.) She sets fitness goals for him, and he reaches them!
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Manju Nivsarkar: Facebook and Instagram
- The following picture is of Thadd and Manju. Look at his progress! She is so good for him!
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A video of Thadd working with Manju - His dad and him have such a connection it is beyond fabulous. Thadd misses his dad tremendously when he is not with him. (Even if Ronnie is just running an errand. 😊 Ronnie is so very patient with him, and their banter they have with each other is quite something!
- Thadd is into EVERYTHING to do with planes. He can name any model you ask him about. He looks up in the sky and blurts out the name of the plane and all of the information he knows about it. He was even a pilot for Halloween.
- Words cannot explain what this young man means to me. He is MORE than a child with Autism… He is someone that once you meet him, he will make a lasting impression on you!
So, to wrap things up.
Tomorrow is World Autism Day. Most people wear blue to honor this day.
Start a tradition in your classroom. Every year on April 2nd, have your students wear blue. Incorporate activities into your day that have to with celebrating the differences that we all have. You can even tell them about Thadd Eason. The BEST 18-year-old there is! ❤️🧩
