Thanks to you, 10-year-old Gabe (and his parents) can sleep through the night.

   Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders have challenges ranging from social-interaction difficulties, sleep dysfunctions, and repetitive behaviors.

   Josie and Jim’s 10-year-old son, Gabe, had similar symptoms, but it took them 10 years to get a diagnosis.

   “It’s been an ongoing battle because Gabe’s symptoms have changed throughout the years,” said Josie. “Some have improved, some have gotten worse.”

   They finally received an answer through LifeWays Community Mental Health that Gabe has Autism Spectrum Disorder.

   Josie and Jim were relieved to have a diagnosis, but also unsure about the next steps. They were referred to Highfields’ Autism Case Management Program and began working with counselor Amy Green to find services and support for Gabe.

   Amy, Josie, and Jim meet once a month to discuss Gabe’s challenges, and to figure out the best ways to help him overcome them.

   One of Gabe’s biggest problems is falling asleep. He has anxiety and lays awake for hours. It is not only exhausting for Gabe, but for his parents too! Amy thought that a weighted blanket would help provide deep pressure to help Gabe relax and fall asleep more easily.

   Thanks to special donors, Josie was able to purchase a weighted blanket for Gabe. Now he can fall asleep within 15-20 minutes of lying down.

    “We were thrilled to learn that Highfields could help us with this need,” said Josie. “We didn’t have the extra money to buy one ourselves.”

    With help from Amy, Josie and Jim continue to work together to find the right resources for their son.

   “We are so happy to have Highfields with us on our journey,” said Josie.

You can help children with special needs like Gabe. Click here to make a donation to support children and families working with Highfields.

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