This is all about our little girl, Renleigh. She’s our granddaughter & we’ve had her since she was just over a year old. She was born March 9th, 2018, with no complications & was a perfectly normal baby. However, very shortly after coming to live with us we realized something was amiss. She wasn’t progressing as she should, never came to us for comfort, wouldn’t look at us when we said her name etc. When she was about 2, I began to suspect she had autism, and at age 3 that suspicion was confirmed. Renleigh has severe autism, level 3 in addition to severe ADHD, global developmental delay, & fine motor skills delay
Through almost 2 full years of ABA therapy, she’s come so far! This year she was finally able to tell us what she wanted to be for Halloween (Minnie Mouse).
She absolutely adores anything to do with playing outside but especially water. Swimming is her favorite thing ever! Since there’s so many things she can’t do & her world will always be smaller than the average child, her grandpa & I take her to do things she enjoys as much as possible. This can be challenging because if she gets overwhelmed or a bit tired, she refuses to walk. It’s common for autistic children to decide they’re done walking & flop down wherever they may be. Due to our age & her size (99th percentile for height & weight), we just cannot carry her anymore & she’s outgrown the regular strollers. We are in desperate need of an adapted special needs stroller. I honestly don’t know enough about them to provide a link, but it doesn’t need to be fancy. Obviously, she doesn’t need chest straps or head support, just a big stroller with footrests, as she will drag her feet.
Also, Renleigh has no danger awareness. Because of this, she has to sleep in the room with us. We’re always afraid she’ll wake up & slip out of the bedroom. She also REALLY enjoys small, enclosed spaces so for those 2 reasons we would love for her to have a sleep safe bed or any kind of cubby bed. I didn’t link it because honestly, we’re not picky & would be grateful for any kind!
People are always telling us how lucky Renleigh is to have us. To her grandpa & I we are the lucky ones. It’s such a gift to have the privilege of raising her & learning through this process. She is the light of our lives & can’t imagine life without her. She may not talk much, but she loves to sing & draw.
Thank you for the opportunity to tell you a little about our sweet girl!
Gift: Folding ultralight transport wheelchair, new platform bed with accessories, and a new mattress
Location: Bartow County
Given: December 2024