PERSONAL NARRATIVE
It was a turning point in my parenting style and our
relationship.
From this, I developed an idea. I use my artwork in-
spired by him as a platform to teach people about
autism and similar disorders. “The Gifting Bubbles”
is a direct result of how my whole world changed
when autism entered our family. I am so thankful for
the support of my family, friends, and community as
I continue to share Leo’s story.
My son began talking rather decently again around
22 months. During his silent few months, I had
worked with endlessly with my five-year-old daugh-
ter, a soon-to-be kindergartner, on numerous sub-
jects.
Before Leo’s 2nd birthday in April 2017, he could al-
ready recite the alphabet and each phonetic sound,
name all of the planets from our solar system (and
a few dwarf planets!) in order, count to 100 by ones
and tens, name all the days of the week and the
months of the year, identify shapes such as trape-
zoid and hexagon, name colors ranging from black,
white, gray, purple, pink, and he began reading com-
monly seen words such as orange, number, purple,
twelve, who, about, away, etc.
Where Vacations Come True...
Providing cruise vacation services to
accommodate families and individuals
with Special Needs, including, but not
limited to, Autism, Asperger Syndrome,
Down Syndrome, Tourette Syndrome,
Cerebral Palsy and all Cognitive,
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Cruises are Staffed with
special education and behavioral management professionals,
providing respite and continuous assistance for families throughout
their vacation.
Autism on the Seas
Cruises for Adults and Families living with Autism,
Down Syndrome and other related Disabilities
Sailing from Florida, New Jersey, New York, Texas and other ports in the United States
www.AutismontheSeas.com
®
I continue to share his story, but also explain how he
doesn’t communicate properly. Nor does he under-
stand most simple instructions. Soon enough, lan-
guage will probably come. For now, we have a long
road ahead of us, but it’s a journey for which I have
prepared. I encourage you to be an advocate for your
child. You’ll always be his/her voice!
Help me in sharing autism awareness, so that each
child may find the resources necessary to live an in-
dependent, successful, and happy life.
Growing up in a small North Georgia town, it took
many years to adjust to the PNW lifestyle she cur-
rently lives. Photographer Jana Tams of Tango Re-
flections is now using her artwork to share knowl-
edge about autism and how some symptoms may
come to light in early childhood.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tangoreflectionsart
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tangoreflectionsart
www.aikoandegor.org,
facebook.com/aikoandegor,
@aikoandegor
• Aiko & Egor: Animation 4 Autism is a tablet and smart
phone app designed for children with autism to easily
learn and engage with their families.
• To download, search “Aiko & Egor” on the iTunes Store
for your Apple device and the Google Play Store for your
Android device.
• Visit www.aikoandegor.org to learn more about the app,
watch animated videos, and sign up for our e-newsletter.
The app is developed by See Beneath,
a San Diego-based nonprofit co-
founded by autism experts with years
of experience in autism research and
intervention.