Mom shares why she'll walk to combat autism

Each weekend thousands of people take to the streets of our communities, walking and running to raise money for charities. Every one of them has found a cause to believe in, a bit of hope through helping. And every one of them has a reason for being there.

Today, Nancy O'Brien of Elmhurst shares how Little Friends and its Krejci Academy in Naperville have helped her son James. She will walk June 28 in the agency's inaugural Step Up for Autism Walk and Fun Run.

I am the proud mom of twin boys, James and Emmett, who are 10 years old. James was diagnosed with autism at 23 months.

The story of our discovery of his autism and the blur of the months and years that followed are the heart-wrenching ones you would expect. As a family and a mother, our world came to a screeching halt and everything that took place afterward was never typical nor ever as easy as we had hoped. These days are what brought Little Friends into our lives.

James attended the schools in our home school district starting at the age of 3 until first grade. He did reasonably well, as he is a very sweet little guy and he can charm the pants off anyone.

Once first grade began, it became increasingly harder to keep him on the same path as his brother and typical peers. Our local elementary school wasn't the best fit for him. James didn't learn the same way as most, and helping him navigate a typical school day was so hard. Each day was a struggle and James was so unhappy. We needed help and we were referred to Little Friends.

When autism enters your family, the effects are overwhelming - and very isolating. Your days are centered on helping your child deal in a world they find overwhelming and frightening and trying to keep your family as happy as possible.

Before James entered Krejci Academy, we were facing some huge difficulties because of his autism. James had a very hard time with social interaction and communication. A simple trip to the store, church or park was impossible.

I remember the first day I toured the school and saw smiles on everyone's faces - each aide, each teacher and each administrator. The whole building was full of people who cared and loved their jobs - we had to have our son there.

James is now near the end of his third year at Krejci and is not the same little boy who entered those doors three years ago. He entered into a specialized classroom with an amazing teacher, Sarah Mehta, and is surrounded by so many generous hearts each day. He is a member of the choir (truly amazing as he is completely nonverbal), he can easily navigate the school with a little assistance, he has a "job" delivering classroom supplies, and he comes home with a huge smile each day and loves to get to school each morning. This is all because of Little Friends.

We can go everywhere as a family now - and nothing makes us happier. James loves to go a restaurant and the movies and can communicate to us in ways we never thought possible. He is a true delight. Again, we owe this all to Little Friends.

We're walking to say thank you - and to help. The staff is so giving and they make do with very little. These are not facilities with the "newest" and the "latest." It is a team of experienced, caring, individuals who have done amazing things and deserve more.

We consider ourselves so lucky to have been a part of Little Friends and we understand how important Little Friends is to the community. These funds are needed; there are many more who need help besides James. Without Little Friends, we would certainly be lost.

If you go

What: Step Up for Autism Walk and Fun Run

Why: To support Naperville-based Little Friends' programs working with children and adults with autism and other disabilities

When: Check-in at 8 a.m. Sunday, June 28; runners start at 9:30 a.m.; walkers follow at 9:35 a.m.

Where: Naperville Riverwalk, from Jackson Avenue at Eagle Street

Details: 1-mile and 3-mile courses planned; untimed

Cost: $25 minimum donation for adults; $10 for children

Info: (630) 355-6533 or stepupforautism09.kintera.org

Little Friends

Little Friends Inc. is a private, nonprofit organization serving children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Based in Naperville, Little Friends operates 13 programs including three schools, family support and consultation services, vocational training programs, community-based residential services and the Little Friends Center for Autism in Naperville. Founded in 1965, Little Friends serves more than 800 people each year in DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Will, McHenry and western Cook counties.