When a child with autism finds his or her voice, it’s nearly as exciting for therapists as it is for that child’s parents. When that voice is actually a magnificent singing voice, the feat is even sweeter.
I recently saw a video on the Autism Speaks Facebook page of Spencer Harte, a young woman with such a story, and my jaw dropped.
This is MY Spencer Harte. I worked with Spencer in her home doing 1:1 ABA therapy almost every day for a few years. Spencer meant so much to me that she (and her mother Jill) were at my engagement party. After my husband and I got married and moved away, we came back to visit Jill and Spencer.
Jill, Spencer, and I are still in touch to this day. I am so proud to see how my Spencer has grown up. My heart is so full and overflowing with love, pride and joy.
I remember the days of drawing a dog every day, baking together and the framing pictures we created for one another. Those pictures hung in my house for years. I treasure those memories Spencer. To this day, she keeps making me more and more proud.
Looking back, Spencer’s mom, Jill, says, “With your love, devotion, talent, determination and patience, you saw her through the most difficult times. We owe you so much. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for caring, truly caring, about my child and for being the most loving and wonderful person. I don’t know how we got so lucky, but the day you walked through our door, was the day everything changed.”
Well done, Autism Speaks, on this outstanding video!