Sharon Walsh: It was suggested I write in to nominate my daughter Hannah for your May Sammy Bear giveaway. She certainly does not fall short in the exceptional category!
Hannah was diagnosed with Autism in November of 2012 and then epilepsy last summer (2015). She has worked hard to overcome speech obstacles, low muscle tone, sensory processing disorder, and has consistently worked alongside occupational therapy to improve her fine motor skills. One of her the biggest hurdles she faces on a daily basis is her epilepsy. She has a significant number of seizures each day. And so many factors can exacerbate these episodes. For example, infections lower the seizure threshold and often cause an uptick in seizure activity. So often common childhood illnesses have the potential to be disastrous for her. The seizures take a lot out of her. She’s only five years old, and doesn’t quite understand that she has a multitude of hurdles facing her, but she never stops pushing, she never stops working, she never stops smiling.
As she has grown, Hannah has gradually learned when she is experiencing sensory overload and has started to self-advocate (requesting to remove herself from overwhelming situations for example). That tool is invaluable for anyone, let alone someone on the Autism spectrum. Hannah has also started teaching her younger brother, he also has Autism and speech dyspraxia. She has taken him under her wing and is often one of the only people in our home who can understand what he is trying to communicate to us.
She is such a sweet and caring young lady. And despite the many assertions that children on the Autism spectrum are aloof, she is one of the sweetest, friendliest little girls I have ever met. She greets everyone with a smile and certainly keeps us all laughing! She is a little fighter, having faced more than her fair share of struggles in such a short life. But with her zest for life and determination, nothing will hold her back! Little miss Hannah is my hero, and certainly one of the bravest girls I know. She makes me abundantly proud every single day.
We at Kayle Concepts are excited to present the Bluebee Pal Sammy to Hannah. It is our hope our cuddly bear offers comfort, companionship while assiting as a learning tool with her IPAD and the many qualified apps on the market.