A 15-year-old was diagnosed with a severe form of autism when he was just a toddler. These days, the boy is working on obtaining a Ph.D.
A major disease can be debilitating for anyone; however, optimism and tenacity can help overcome many associated challenges.
Kristine Barnett's 15-year-old son named Jacob was diagnosed with a severe form of autism when he was just a toddler. The child had encountered lost speech and psychologists initially believed he would never talk again.
The concerned mom placed Jacob in a developmental program which included meetings with numerous therapists. Although he was different from other children his own age, Kristine noticed his high intelligence level.
She took him on trips to a planetarium and sat outside watching the stars with him, encouraging Jacob to take on hobbies and interests.
And she also put a stop to the therapist meetings.
She took on the role of teaching and educationally interacting with him on her own. Amazingly, by the age of three, Jacob began talking again. 6 months later, he taught himself how to read.
These days, the now teenage boy is working on obtaining a PhD.
Kristine says “if somebody had drive, they can accomplish anything."
