Having a kid with autism isn’t easy and the future can feel uncertain. But if there’s one thing I know for sure – before and after the autism diagnosis – is that my son is a great kid. And I love him no matter what any piece of paper says.
Maybe you’ve heard that expression, “If you’ve met one kid with autism, then you’ve met one kid with autism.” And while that is true, our kids share one similar trait. They ROCK! And their parents are eager to share why.
The parents I reached out to – have another thing in common. They are all Bronx parents and their kids are part of the Bronxchester Challenger League. A baseball league for kids with autism – you can learn all about it and the amazing woman, Lizzette Hernandez, who started it HERE.
On Friday April, 3rd Lizzette is hosting her Annual Fundraiser and all proceeds will go towards the Bronxchester Challenger League. (Details at the end of the post.)
Chantel – My son is a true example of the saying “if at first I don’t succeed I’ll try and try again.” He’s always willing to try…and as a parent I can’t ask for more than that.
Christina – My kid rocks because she lets nothing discourage her. She will always say “I can do it.”
Dee – My son rock’s because he’s unique in his own little ways.
Erica – The Almodovar Brothers rock because just when I think they are falling behind, they surprise me by making it all the way to the top.
Debbie – My amazing Jason rocks because he amazes me with each new milestone, a new skill and maybe not in words but in his actions he his telling me “Mommy I can and I will.”
Jennifer – My Daniel rocks because he shows me to never stop fighting.
Leton – Hakeem rocks because even though he struggles, he is so happy and affectionate. His happiness makes me know everything will be ok and helps me get through the day.
Chantay – Stephon rocks because he happy, affectionate, lovable, strong and determined.
Nell – My sweet Dan rocks because he teaches me that I just need to let the negative stuff roll off my shoulder. Honestly, this kid never gets offended. I might yell at him because he is doing something dangerous or wrong and he will ALWAYS give me a big smile chuckle, I love him so much for that. My oldest rocks because he teaches me to enjoy the stillness of life. He doesn’t enjoy motion, amusement park rides and swings are a big no no for him, he teaches me to enjoy the moment.
Lizette – My Donovan rocks, because whenever I think he can’t, he does! He inspires me to be a better person, to judge less, to do more, and to love more. He taught me to look for the best in people.
Janine – My Nicholas rocks because he doesn’t see every day as a challenge… Life is full of fun & happiness to him… His smile towards life is so uplifting… He’s my #1 teacher in life
Melissa – Eli rocks because he is the most amazing young man. His kind heart and gentle soul are what I treasure most. He wears his heart on his sleeve and lets me know daily how much he loves me.
Shirley – My Niko rocks because he has this amazing sense of humor. He knows what he likes and dislikes and marches to the beat of his own drum. Not a follower, not a leader but definitely a smart, young individual.
Veronica – CJ rocks because he is a kind and loving kid. He’s compassionate and loves to put a smile on everyone’s face!
Jennifer – My Donnivin rocks because he is the sweetest kid, always happy, makes everyone smile. He is so friendly and outgoing which makes me want to be better for him.
Veronica – My Noah ROCKS because he is an amazing child who is caring, funny and full of life. He loves to be around people he loves and surprises me every day. I am proud of who he is and who he will become. Like the swimmer he has become, he keeps his head above the water with a smile and breaks through the challenges.
Estela – Davery is amazing because he always knows how to put others before him and always makes sure they are okay. He will not hesitate to give you a hug and assure you everything will be okay.
Brenda – Kaleo is amazing to me because he’s been a fighter from day one. From having a stroke in utero and surviving even when the doctor said he might not make it. To then being diagnosed at 2 with autism and fighting at every speech therapy to find his voice which he eventually did at three and a half. To then being diagnosed with epilepsy and having to take 20 pills a day to control it. Eventually finding out he has a huge brain cyst caused by the stroke and with all that he continues to blossom. Now he’s a chatterbox who is extremely funny, smart and caring. All these obstacles have not stopped him. He’s made me discover strengths and patience I never knew I had.
Emily – My kids rock because regardless of their daily struggles, they greet the world with a smile. It takes a lot of bravery to go through life trying to figure things out.
Maria – My son is 6 and autistic, he is loving, caring and likes to play it safe. He uses logic to figure things out and always asks tons of questions. He does not like to change his daily routine and is just the perfect kid for me.
Carol – Ralphie rocks because he can find the humor in just about anything (even things that aren’t supposed to be funny – LOL) and that keeps the rest of us from taking ourselves too seriously. He challenges us to take risks (like with the highest, fastest roller coasters possible). At 13 years old he still loves hugs and cuddles, and also frequently rocks out to his favorite music – hard rock and heavy metal from the ’80’s (long before he was every born!). He’s our “Retro Ralphie”, our “Rock ‘n Ralph”, and we love him!
Carmen – Addison rocks because even at her worst she tries her best. Her infectious smile and drive in everything she does reminds my husband and I how important it is to continue to advocate for her and the entire autism community.
Angela – Because he is uniquely unique. Honest. And as innocent as anyone I’ve ever met. He is able to genuinely love
My kids are always willing to try new adventures. Dancing, soccer, running and now baseball.
John – My daughter is one of the toughest people I know. Even though she is only 5 her eyes tell a story that only an adult could understand. I pray for her to be verbal one day but she has made me so strong that I am prepared if she never does. I enjoy laughing and giggling with her more than with anyone in the world but I also hurt more when she is sad than I ever have. I always said my oldest daughter made me an adult but its Khloe who made me a better person. When I think of my Khloe I think of hope and I’m thankful to have her as my daughter.
Tara – ZJ rocks because he conveys so much emotion and charm without ever saying a word. The fact that he is nonverbal has never taken away from his character, if anything it has added to it.
Although my son does not understand my frustrations when I have a bad day sometimes he is the first one to say “Mommy I’ll Take Care of You” I am often called a hero, a warrior or strong but in reality he is the hero; he is the one who is strong.
AND then I asked parents to describe their kids in one word. Here’s what they said:
And NOW it’s time to talk about the Autistic Kids Rock 5th Annual Fundraiser. It’s an amazing event. It’s free and it’s for an amazing cause. So I hope you come out and show your support because it will be a great time! If you cannot attend the event but still want to donate – you may do so here http://www.gofundme.com/bxchallengerleague
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