Autism Parenting Magazine Issue 72 (Member's Dashboard) | Page 55

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,