Jacob Johnson’s Crusade connection
A child can sometimes be a puzzle for parents. As WHAS11’s Melissa Swan discovered the Johnson family finally found the key to their son Jacob’s erratic behavior thanks to the WHAS Crusade for Children.
“I’ve always known something was wrong with Jacob,” said Rosa Johnson, Jacob’s mom.
Rosa says Jacob didn’t speak beyond a whisper or cope well with any change in his routine. Because of his behavior Rosa thought Jacob hated her. In an effort to understand him better, Rosa talked to a psychologist who suggested that Jacob be tested for Asperger’s Syndrome. Those tests confirmed that diagnosis.
“Jacob doesn’t hate me by any means. Jacob is just a little different,” said Rosa.
Jacob needed the right approach to unlock his potential. He’s getting that at Western Kentucky University’s Kelly Autism Program, an agency you support through donations to the WHAS Crusade for Children.
Marty Boman of the Kelly Autism Program said, “Jacob has changed tremendously since he first came to us. When he first came to us in June he was basically non-verbal.”
After only a few months in the program, Jacob is blossoming. His progress brings great satisfaction to his mom.
“I get to enjoy watch Jacob become Jacob. I get to watch him become more outgoing and more loving. That means the most to me!”
The 59th annual WHAS Crusade for Children is June 2 – 3, 2012.
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