Living with Autism 🌟
As if the beginning of her life was not complicated enough, at age three, Elyse was diagnosed with autism. This is her chapter of strength and wonder.
What is Autism?
Autism is a complex developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts, and experiences the world. And every person with autism experiences it differently.
“Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a 'spectrum disorder' that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.”
— Autism Society of America
Elyse's Diagnosis
At age three, on top of everything her heart had already been through, Elyse was diagnosed with severe autism. It added a new layer of complexity to her journey — one that affected her communication and social skills in significant ways.
But it also revealed something else: the extraordinary way Elyse perceives and experiences the world around her. Dad often says he is just reading her mind and capturing what she is thinking — a beautiful collaboration between a father and a daughter who communicates in her own remarkable way.
🌿 Our Family's Message
Dad and Mom have dedicated themselves to raising awareness about the challenges that autism presents for families — not to define Elyse by her diagnosis, but to help others understand and find support.
Elyse is so much more than any label. She is a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a source of daily wonder and joy. Her story is a reminder that every person, no matter how they communicate or interact, has profound gifts to share with the world.
Autism Resources
If you or someone you know is navigating an autism diagnosis, there are many wonderful organizations offering support, information, and community:
Autism Society of America
One of the oldest and largest grassroots autism organizations in the United States.
autismsociety.org ↗Autism Speaks
Dedicated to promoting solutions across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan.
autismspeaks.org ↗A Note About CHD & Autism
Research continues to explore whether there are connections between congenital heart defects and neurodevelopmental outcomes like autism. Children who have undergone cardiac surgery, particularly those who required prolonged bypass, may face higher risks for certain developmental challenges.
Elyse's story is unique to her — but her experience as a child with both CHD and autism is something many families share. By telling her story openly, we hope to build bridges of understanding and support for those families.
Elyse's World
Dad captures Elyse's voice and spirit through writing — sharing her perspective on the world she experiences so vividly in her own beautiful way.
“So you see, on top of the heart defect and its implications, I have had a difficult time with my communication and social skills. Ok, so now you know. Dad is reading my mind and capturing what I am thinking.”
— Elyse (as told through Dad)