Tiffany

Our oldest daughter, Tiffany, will turn 19 in a few days.  We were privileged to adopt her at the age of four.  One of her diagnoses is autism.  She is higher functioning than our son, Brendon. They have many similar issues, but at different levels.  I haven't posted much about her disabilities on my personal Facebook page because at her age and cognitive level, I felt she should have a choice in what and how much people knew.  I discussed it with her and she has given her permission for me to post about her on this page.  If that changes, I will quit. 

Today, I took her to the doctor's office for a physical for Special Olympics.  We had a two hour wait to see the doctor and then stopped for lunch before I took her to school.  This is her junior year and she is in the REACH program at her school.  This program trains and supports her academic and functional skills for independence. 

Through the years she has struggled with speech, pica, swallowing, sensitivity to clothing, borderline IQ, understanding social rules and cues, understanding danger, etc...  There are honestly too many things to name, but our hope is to see her achieve as much independence as possible. 

Her progress hasn't always been smooth and it's even been under protest from time to time, but we refuse to give up!   Hopefully, someday she will understand how much we love her.