AUTISM NEWS
Family and Community Inspires
Special Needs Woman to Reach
for the Stars
N
othing will keep Kyleigh LaRavann Dirton
from achieving her dreams. Born with
meningitis, Kyleigh was diagnosed with
autism spectrum disorder (ASD), develop-
mental delays, cerebral palsy, and seizure
disorders as a young girl. Her parents were
told by doctors that her chances of walk-
ing, talking, or having any type of “normal” life was
slim. But they didn’t know Kyleigh. And they didn’t
know she would have a team of people ready to help
shape her.
When Kyleigh was a toddler, her father, Chris, worked
every day on her language skills by getting her to re-
peat words, allowing her to learn to communicate.
Her family enrolled her in physical and occupational
therapies which have allowed her to function well
with assistance. It wasn’t long before Kyleigh had a
dream: to become a professional model.
At 24 years old, Kyleigh lives with her family who
supports her aspirations. Her dad keeps her laugh-
ing every day and affectionately calls her his “Little
Princess,” while Kyleigh spends time with her mother,
Tawana, working on her modeling skills. She as pires
to become a print model and appear as an extra in
movies. Kyleigh says her goal is to become a Victoria
Secret model, meet celebrities, and be on the Ellen
DeGeneres Show.
Kyleigh has always been excited about participating
in special events and meeting new people—espe-
cially those that helped her increase her physical and
verbal skills. At Woodmont High School in Greenville,
SC, she had some wonderful peer tutors and an awe-
56 | Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 72
some high school teacher, Mr. Maddux. He taught
Kyleigh social skills, developmental skills, and life
skills for seven years. They remain friends today.
Every therapy and experience has helped Kaleigh to
develop and gain the skills she needed to grow. For
example, she was vice president of the Impact Club,