Exceeding the Limits

Jenna – Exceeding the Limits

By December 31, 2024 No Comments
Jenna

Jenna (and her twin brother, Joey) were born at 26 weeks and spent 79 days in the NICU. They had a successful hospital stay but came home on breathing machines, heart monitoring, and special neonatal formula. They were diagnosed with autism at age 4 and attended the Mercy Hospital C.H.I.P. program.

Jenna has struggled with school since preschool. Social and communication skills, ability to participate in peer-related activities, and executive functioning skills have all been hurdles for her. She also has an incredibly slow processing speed. She is currently at the Autism Model School and doing well. She struggles with motivation and the ability to easily fit into a classroom. She is a sparkle, though, and “finds her fit.” She is courageous and patient. She is creative and brilliant. Her creativity helps her enjoy life and learn. She immerses herself in various art projects. She uses her special interest – (internally) connecting with unique characters online, and her art, to have meaningful experiences that make her feel good. It is essential that she has these opportunities – and the technology necessary to access them. As an up-and-coming senior, she has a good standing in a foundation of talent and desire to be active. In the future we hope to help her find training, or work, that supports these artistic and special interests, things she can be active in. We look forward to her using what she’s developed in her foundation for further growth with more advanced learning and experiences. All her early interventions, special education, speech and occupational therapy, physical therapy, social skills and community programs have aided her in being active and living a healthy life. We love this beautiful almost-high school graduate!

As Jenna begins to look at life after high school, she is hoping to be able to express hercreativity and craft artwork to sell. She’s consistently wanted to sell work on Etsy, but she needs reliable equipment that can offer this as an option. We’ve had discussions about the importance of making predictable wages that can pay bills vs. having a job that might not give regular pay to cover bills (but produces a heck of a lot of happiness and other advantages). Jenna’s artwork helps her, in so many ways, deal effectively with her challenges related to being autistic. It also helps her connect to peers and socialize. It’s one of her greatest gifts. We do think this could add some funds and give her independence, autonomy, and self-confidence about her skills and talents. We look forward to her using it to build community relationships. If she chooses to sell artwork, we hope it exposes her to people and pieces in her city. We also see it being a wonderful way to teach executive functioning skills in a natural method. She will engage and enhance math, reading and writing, and other business skills. She’s also using fine motor, analytical, problem solving and other useful tools. In addition, artwork promotes her having positive mental and physical health. We can’t begin to thank Avenues for Autism and their support to help Jenna with her talent by providing the funds for art supplies. Thank you!