Finley, Autism Spectrum Disorder

When Finley and his twin sister Eve were born six weeks early, they spent 10 days in the NICU. Finley ate well, laughed and giggled, but his parents often noticed that his facial expressions were odd. By the time Finley was 18 months old, neither he or his sister were talking. Compared to big brother Ivan, having nearly silent children was strange for Mom and Dad. Early Intervention began working with both children and while Eve progressed, Finley did not. When Finley turned two years old, his provider suspected Autism. The family took Finley to Kirsch Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics in Rochester and he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Finley is non-verbal and struggles to communicate his feelings, wants and needs. The Children’s Miracle Network program at Samaritan Medical Center purchased an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) speech device to help him communicate. This is a handheld device with pictures of things that he can touch and the device speaks the word. The part of Finley’s brain that should alert him to danger does not work the way it should. He has a tendency to run, climb and wander, sometimes away from safe settings and needs supervision at all times. With the help of CMN, a customized fence was installed so that Finley can safely go outside to play with his sister and brother.

Finley is a happy seven-year-old who loves to go to school.  He is in a self-contained classroom with opportunity to attend some regular education classrooms for certain subjects. He has an aide to assist him in school and answers questions using his AAC device. He rides a special bus to school with his aide and has a special harness to keep him safely in his seat for the ride.