Hi, I’m Ashley, and I’m the proud mom of two incredible boys, Jayden and Duke. Our journey as a family has been filled with ups and downs, but watching my boys grow and thrive is the most rewarding experience. Jayden, in particular, has shown an incredible amount of strength and resilience over the years. From early challenges with his health to navigating the world of autism, ADHD, ARFID, and other diagnoses, Jayden has made remarkable progress.
In June 2011, I lost my mom, who was not only my best friend but also an inspiration. She worked with children with autism as a paraprofessional, and I always admired her for that. One month after her passing, I found out I was pregnant with Jayden, and in some way, it felt as if she had a hand in it—knowing how much my heart was hurting.
When Jayden was born, it felt like a miracle. At 18, I was told I couldn’t have kids, and it shattered me. I had always dreamed of becoming a mom, but that dream seemed impossible. So, when I found out I was pregnant with Jayden, I experienced a mix of disbelief, joy, and immense gratitude. Holding him for the first time, I felt overwhelmed by the weight of everything I had been told I couldn’t have. But there he was—my son, healthy and perfect. I knew then that all the doubts and fears I had carried for so long were worth it. Jayden was my miracle, and I was ready to be his mom, no matter what challenges we would face.
Jayden was born on April 3, 2012, weighing 9 lbs. 10 oz. and 21 inches long. He was perfect in every way. When he was born, I noticed he had a birthmark on his right arm that looked like angel wings—or perhaps a heart, depending on how you looked at it. To me, it felt like my mom’s presence, as though she had a hand in making sure I got my miracle baby.
During my pregnancy, I had difficulty walking, and doctors insisted it was just how Jayden was positioned. However, after his birth, my walking didn’t improve, and I began experiencing vision problems. At 5 months old, Jayden’s birth was the beginning of many changes in my life. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic illness that affects the central nervous system. While it was overwhelming, Jayden became my inspiration, and I adapted to my new reality.
In Jayden’s early years, I noticed how he was a happy baby, meeting milestones early, and filling our lives with joy. My father remarried Tara, who became an amazing figure in Jayden’s life. She was like a grandmother to him, and it was heartwarming to see them together. Jayden began calling her “Temaw,” and it was a connection that meant so much to me—another beautiful gift in our lives.
When Jayden turned 4, things started to change. He began daycare, and soon it became clear that he was struggling with social interactions and self-regulation. He had trouble with sensory sensitivities, and everyday activities like haircuts and bathtime became increasingly difficult. At 8, after working with a therapist for a short time, he said, “This kid has autism,” when no one else had picked up on it—the doctors, the schools, no one. That moment of clarity felt like a step in the right direction, and we began the process of getting Jayden evaluated.
By 2020, Jayden was officially diagnosed with autism, ADHD, ODD, and Sensory Processing Disorder. In 2024, Jayden was diagnosed with ARFID. That diagnosis helped us understand Jayden better, but the road ahead was still challenging. I had always wanted to work with children and families facing challenges, and my experience with Jayden only deepened that passion. My mom’s work inspired me, and after receiving two bachelor’s degrees—one in Healthcare Administration and the other in Health and Human Services—I chose a career working with adults with developmental disabilities.
However, in 2018, I lost my job as a QDDP (Qualified Developmental Disabilities Professional) which was my dream job. This loss triggered a period of major depression that lasted for years. I felt lost, not knowing how to help Jayden, grappling with my health issues, and feeling like I couldn’t provide for my family. It wasn’t until we moved to Polk County that things began to change. I found the strength to move forward, and in 2023, I founded the nonprofit High-Five Society, dedicated to helping children with special needs and supporting their families because of the issues I experiences in the past and how alone I felt. No one should ever have to face those things alone.
Jayden’s journey hasn’t been easy, but the progress he’s made is truly remarkable. His time in the GNETS (Georgia Network for Educational and Therapeutic Support) program has been life changing. GNETS provides specialized support for children with emotional and behavioral challenges, and the teachers and staff have been amazing. They’ve helped Jayden develop crucial skills, and the teachers he has now are the absolute best with him. I can’t express enough how much this program has meant to him—and to me.
Jayden inspires me every single day. He’s come so far, defying the odds, and continues to amaze everyone around him with his kindness, creativity, intelligence, and determination. Watching him grow has made me prouder than I could ever put into words. Every day, he teaches me what it means to be resilient, to smile through challenges, and to love without limits.
Gift: Family Trip to Tennessee
Location: Polk County
Given: May 2025