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About Jon...
My son Jon was diagnosed with Autism when he was 1 1/2 years of age. He's my middle child of 3, and is now 16, 6'2", 255 pounds and a 13EE shoe. Jon's was very quiet as a baby, fell sound asleep in the car, could take him to parties and he'd play by himself for hours. He was actually very easy to care for. Food was not an issue, he ate just about anything I put in front of him. That soon changed. He started eating less of the foods he ate before and limited himself to breads, milk, and juice. I put a plate of spaghetti down in front of him one day, and he threw up on the floor. Strange I thought. At 1 1/2 years of age, Jon was diagnosed with Autism. Lucky for us, his Pediatrician was very educated about childhood disorders and when he asked if Jon was saying "Momma or Daddy" and we said "no", he referred us to an Neurologist right away. It was then I understood why his eating habits changed, Autistic children have tactile issues. Food happened to be one of them for Jon. When he was 2 1/2, we lived in California, and Jon had in-home tutoring from Bridges Behavioral Systems. Two people for 3 hours a day would come to our home and "teach" Jon the PECS system. As a parent, it was very hard to watch my little boy crying and reaching for me who didn't understand this intervention. They sat him down, face to face, and taught Jon what a cup was, and then, the PECS card of the cup, and then working & talking with the PECS. "Give me cup", "Good boy, you gave me cup". When he did it correctly, he was rewarded with either an edible or something he loved to play with. After a couple of months, Jon caught on. The PECS program was working. Autistic children can be very visual and learn quickly with pictures. He wasn't crying with the tutors much anymore!
In January 1999, we moved to Delaware because of the public school programs for Autism. Delaware's Autism Program was known as far as California. Jon's made a lot of progress since we've been here and I've been pleased with the structure and programming of the schools. The teachers, staff, and administrators are dedicated to helping our children. I have found however, that there is no one place you can go to find everything you need to know, or tactiles directed towards Autism, awareness items or even novelties. We've made that possible!
Jon will be transitioning in 5 years. If you are a parent of a child going through transition, you understand when I say it can be scary. There are not enough programs for the young adults graduating high school at 21 years of age. Some parents are forced to stay home, leave them home alone, depend upon family members and sometimes send them on their way to "day camp" which in some cases is a glorified day care. I am hoping that when Jon transitions that he will be able to have employment with the shoppe and be able to help others while helping himself.
Our Purpose...
In 2005 we started The Autism Shoppe is for families, teachers, and state workers for Autism etc. Now you have a LOCAL place to go and get information on the local and national Autism support groups, special needs programs, state programs, other parent businesses etc. This is all FREE information! We try our best to give you the current information as well as new and exciting items. We have been fortunate to have been welcomed by surrounding states as well as Delaware. You will find on our site information for Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and other states as well whom we were able to touch. We always welcome suggestions and your thoughts.
Who we donate to...
A percentage of sales (other than fundraisers and events where donations are given directly to the Host), go directly to the Delaware Autism Program to support the education of our children. Monies are going to research, but we need to help the children, families, and educators now as well. The John S. Charlton School is raising monies for a canopy over their playground. Donations are always welcome to help achieve these goals. You can donate directly to the John S. Charlton school. Phone is 302-697-3103. Autism Speaks, Autism Delaware, Lucky 7 Motorcycle Club and other organizations host events throughout the warm months. We donate a portion of our sales directly back to the hosts.
-Roxanne Gadaingan 302-242-0942
We're proud to serve not only Delaware, but also New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland. Thank you to these states for being so supportive and sending us information to give out to families affected by Autism. Hat's off to you!
We appreciate your feedback, comments and suggestions!
Thank you!
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