Our Story

Payton was born September 2015.  She was born with hip dysplasia; and was in a spica cast from 5 months old to 8 months old and then wore a brace till 18 months.  At her 2 year well check the Autism Screening had her at 50/50 odds as to whether or not she had autism.  To me there were a few signs; but mostly everybody else thought she was just a late talker.  Our pediatrician told us to start with AEA, Area Educational Agency, to see if her speech would increase.  At the time, he wasn’t concerned with her having autism.  We weren’t overly concerned with her social piece, mainly because being in a spica cast meant kids had to approach her to play.  She never had to approach them.  We knew this was something we’d have to work on in the future but weren’t concerning ourselves with it at that time. 

As we began AEA services in December 2017, we initially started with speech but had added behavioral support within about a month.  Finally in April of 2018 we got her tested for autism.  In June 2018 she was diagnosed with:  Receptive Expressive Speech Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Speech Articulation Disorder, and Delayed Social and Emotional Development.  We were then connected with Axis ABA Therapy and Support Services and started with speech in July of 2018.  In August of 2018 we added behavioral therapy in addition to speech which was also done at Axis.  In September of 2018 she qualified for an IEP, Individual Education Program; and we started Pre-School.  At school she has a one-on-one associate that’s with her all day.  We already knew she was outgoing; but now we were seeing that she loves learning and is quite the little dare devil.  She continues to make great gains everyday.