Hi!
My name is Donna.  My husband, Michael and son, Jonathan and I recently moved from Florida to Tennessee.  We LOVE it here!

Jonathan is almost 8 years old, and is an amazing little guy.  When he was first diagnosed with ASD, he was 1 point from severe on the ADOS.  But with the help of God, and many incredible people, Jonathan has come so far! He is included in a General Ed classroom, working way above grade level, enjoying friends and life.  We feel so very blessed.

I also have an 18 year old daughter, Janeen, who decided to "fly the coop" and move back to Orlando.  She is doing well, and enjoying her independence.  She's decided she wants to work with children on the spectrum.  I'm very proud of her!

When Jonathan was 3, I wrote a poem for his teacher, using the word AWEtism.  (you can read the poem on my web site www.cafepress.com/awetism)  It expresses the AWE I see in my son.  Friends encouraged me to make T-Shirts and Bumper Stickers with the message.  I did, and feel like I've made a positive contribution to the autism community.

I am currently unemployed, still working on settling in in our new home. But before we moved, I worked for Orange County Public Schools as a Parent Ambassador.  I worked with special needs families who were having difficulties with their child's school.  Most of the familes I worked with had children on the spectrum. I also wrote a presentation on Positive Behavior Supports, and taught methods to help families deal with unwanted behaviors in their child's life.

Looking forward to getting to know some new friends!

God bless you as you love your precious children.