April has traditionally been Autism Awareness month, but we are trying to do more than become aware, we are driven to accept! I have been planning this campaign for months and have had the absolute PRIVILEGE of photographing some of the most AMAZING people! Throughout the month of April we will be featuring them and their stories. I pray that you find love for these INCREDIBLE humans and their passions!
Parker is an amazing 10-year-old big brother who is funny, intelligent, caring and his smile can light up a room. He loves to be creative with his legos and art projects. Parker enjoys winter time as my nickname for him is Polar Bear. Parker can’t get enough of the water in summer time, sometimes we joke and say he’s could be a little fish. Parker enjoys playing video games with his friends especially forenite and Minecraft as well as playing Pokémon battle with his Nana. Once year Parker gets to pick a place to travel to as he enjoys airplane rides and sightseeing. Parker loves his family very much.
Parker struggles very badly with the social aspects of life which make it very hard for him to hold conversations, make friends, understand social queues and prank jokes. Parker has a hard time understanding personal space for other but does not like anyone in his bubble. Parker has very sensitive ears so loud noises often scare or hurt him. Parker has a hard time adjusting to change in his routine and when people touch or move his things. When Parker gets overstimulated he now understands he needs to take self breaks to help regulate his body and uses music, fidgets, fuzzy blankets and “warmie” stuff animals. Parker has a hard time regulating his emotions and understanding someone’s tone of voice which leads to a lot of miscommunication mishaps.
I am so proud to be Parker’s Mother. I learn from him everyday. Having a son with ASD can be very difficult and emotional but I wouldn’t change it for anything. Parker has opened my eyes to a new way of learning and a new ways of view the world. I am still learning how to help him be successful and would do anything to make that happen.