Naomi Baker "Nini Bugs" Journey with Autism

                                                         Naomi Baker “Nini Bugs” Journey with Autism

 Hi my name is Naomi Baker. My parents gave me the nick name Nini Bug. I am my parents 4th child. They had lost their 3rd child, and were having problems conceiving. When they found out that they were pregnant with their 4th they were so excited. I was a healthy pregnancy, and was born at term by planned C-section May 6, 2011. I was always such a quiet, loving baby. As I grew up I seemed to hit all of my milestones until I hit age 2. At this age they began to notice some unusual behaviors, such as the fact that I wouldn't play with other kids unless they were running, I didn't call for 'Mommy or Daddy", and I limited vocabulary which began to make it clear that I was falling behind developmentally. I would mostly keep to myself and look at books. Even when it was my birthday I was uninterested in opening or playing with my gifts. I became a challenge to take places due to me screaming in the car, and whenever I couldn't get down and run. They would find themselves not going places like the park or the mall, because they feared I would run off while they tried to watch my brother and sister. The thought of going places, even church, without my father gave my mother so much anxiety. My older sister suffers from ADHD, Epilepsy, anxiety and sensory disorder, so transitions from place to place have been nearly impossible at times. There have been many occasions in which we had to cancel our plans, leave parties early, or skip grocery shopping because my sister and I were so upset we were crying hysterically. I am fun loving and adventurous, but oftentimes I am not aware of the dangers around me. We have had to take many extra precautions, such as securely fencing our yard, and placing extra latches on our doors to keep me from getting out on my own. I always seem to be looking for that split-second opportunity to make my escape! As much as they try to watch me, it can be difficult, frustrating, and stressful. It can also be challenging for them to get adequate rest, because I and my older sister suffer from insomnia, and I am rarely able to sleep on my own. Even though I will Be 4 in May, I am in many ways still very much like a one year old, and I am always managing to get myself into trouble. They have to take all the knobs off the stove, lock our cabinets, make sure the sink is always clear of dirty dishes, and at times even hide the chairs in our home. (I am quite the climber!) There have been several occasions in which I have climbed onto the hot stovetop, taken dirty knives out of the sink, and even been caught playing in the toilet. (Yuck!) One day they stepped into their bedroom for no more than 10 seconds, and they heard a frightening crash. When they ran into the kitchen, they found me lying on my back on the tile kitchen floor. I was disoriented, faintly crying, and unresponsive. They rushed me to the emergency room, and the doctors ordered an MRI which revealed a small brain bleed. They had to give me medication to stop me from vomiting, and I was in the hospital for three days to be monitored. Thankfully the bleed cleared up on its own, and I didn't need to have surgery. This is just one example of how difficult it can be to keep me safe. As them being my parents they want to protect their children as much as they can, but having a child with special needs makes this especially challenging. They love me very much, and they wouldn't change meone bit.Even thogh I strggle daiy I am s sweet, happ child. hey justneed some extra help an extra comfot in knoing ther is somene else o help m throughdaily life. I love dancing, music, movies, reading, eating certain foods. (I am VERY picky after all) I also greatly enjoys school, especially riding the bus. They are truly blessed to have me because although I struggle with Autism I am a healthy, loving, adorable little girl. A properly trained Autism Service Dog will help our family greatly by monitoring me diligently to keep me out of harm's way, as well as correct some negative behaviors. Along with these benefits, Autism Service Dogs are known to increase the confidence, security, and sense of companionship in children with Autism. The Autism Service Dog serves as a constant guardian and friend for the child, as well as a second set of eyes, ears, and hands (or should I say, paws?) for the parent at home and out in public. I Naomi greatly appreciate your consideration in helping us to provide this tremendous blessing to me.