Research shows that early intervention for autism, mental health issues, and special needs can result in lasting positive outcomes and greater opportunities over a lifetime.
In Minnesota, 1 in 44 children will be diagnosed with autism—most before they enter kindergarten. We know that a more inclusive and equitable world begins with success at school. Undiagnosed and untreated autism can make learning a challenge. That creates a substantial learning barrier at the very beginning of a child’s educational journey.
Meet Lindsey and Hugo.
Hugo outside of Fraser School.
Before she had her own child, Lindsey was a preschool teacher and had worked with children with behavior issues.
So when Lindsey’s little boy Hugo couldn’t put two words together by age 2, she realized something was wrong. Hugo often used words that weren’t recognizable. For example, he called milk “nah.” That made it a struggle to request things, which was frustrating for both him and his family. His frustration would often lead to behavior issues.
Not long afterward, Hugo was diagnosed with autism. Lindsey remembered a student in her classroom had been helped by Fraser, and she reached out for Hugo. He started at Fraser School and began multiple therapies.
When Fraser engaged Hugo in activities he found interesting, he excelled. Soon, he was speaking. The ability to communicate clearly decreased Hugo’s frustration and behaviors.
“I credit Fraser for the kid Hugo is today,” Lindsay says. “He has always been a happy, loving kid, and his speech is so much better. He is 6 ½ and is in a mainstream kindergarten classroom.”
Lindsay says, “When I received Fraser’s emergency fund email, I knew a disruption in services is a huge problem for many families. Donating to Fraser was a no brainer. I want the level of care that I received to be available to every family. I want Fraser to be around forever.”
Your support helps children like Hugo receive the early intervention they need to create a lifetime of success in school. Our inclusive educational environment builds a community of equity and understanding, one generation at a time. Please consider a gift to support Fraser early education programs and services, today.
You have the power to make the world more inclusive for people of all abilities.