My name is Johanna and I was blessed with a very loving, intelligent, caring, 7 year old boy who I named Jovani. About 2 years ago he was diagnosed with Asperger’s, on the spectrum of Autism. It’s been 2 years of pure challenges; challenges of strength, patience, understanding, and most of all hope. I signed Jovani up at Easter Seals to work on his social skills last year and it did wonders. He went from being scared, out of control, and having a hard time making friends in kindergarten, to graduating with his class on stage and went on to become a straight A student in 1st grade with a class full of friends. Easter Seals has taught my son how to communicate as well as how to be independent on his own with no fear. He learned how to interact with his peers as well as how to read, understand, and react to emotions.

Easter Seals not only took the time to work with my son but also had these great sessions for parents so that they could share their stories with each other. To be honest with you it feels great to know I’m not the only one with so many questions, doubts, worries, and at times guilt. Jovani has taught me so much about life: how to cherish, how to appreciate the simplest things in life, and how the color blue can be so much more than just that, a color. I have been truly blessed to have been chosen to be his mother and I wouldn’t have it any other way. We have a long way to go, and I’m pretty sure a rough road ahead of us, but with Easter Seals’ help and support and with his innocent smile and that sparkle in his eyes, I know we (I) can get through anything. He’s my strength, my energy, my heart (JOVANI), he’s my all. Thank you Easter Seals for making a difference not only in my son’s life, but for me and his father.

Johanna Contreras