Julian stood before the small gathering giving his presentation on a poster he designed for the Piedmont Wildlife Center. This was the closing event for what had been six weeks of growth and enjoyment for Julian in the WELL Program. As he explained his process of researching the animals that are housed at the center, how he decided on placement and which ones to draw, I was nearly overcome with emotion.
Allow me to refresh your memory. This time last year he was enrolled in the WELL program but, at best, was a very passive participant. You’ll recall that he was still dealing with the effects of his breakdown. Barely verbal with a slow and deliberate gait, he just wasn’t engaging in anything. No drawing, no Disney movies, he’d even lost his desire to eat and would eventually lose twenty pounds off his slim frame. Our Julian had all but disappeared, literally and figuratively.
So it’s understandable that WELL executive director Tiffane Land wasn’t sure what to expect when he began this year’s program back in early July. What followed was a delight for Ms. Land, Julian and our family. Each day when I picked him up she had something wonderful to say about Julian and how he was so enthusiastic and involved in the program’s myriad activities.
There was the day they visited a horse farm. Julian rode the horse, walked with it, fed it and cleaned it’s stall. When they would have grocery shopping day, for the weekly meal they planned and prepared, he got to the point that she could give him his list of items (along with a debit card) and he would finish before everyone, without any assistance. Whether it was compost day or volunteering at the food bank she always came back with glowing reports about Julian.
Even in his interaction with his fellow program participants he was different. When the yoga instructor paid her weekly visit Julian, being the only returning student in the program, took a small leadership role as he showed the others how to perform certain exercises. Julian was beginning to display capabilities that we hadn’t seen before.
One field trip that was of special meaning to Julian was the one to the Piedmont Wildlife Center, an animal preserve. If you know anything about him then you’re aware that his top two passions are animals and Disney. This day was nearly like visiting utopia for Julian.
Ms. Land told me that Julian had this look of pure joy on his face the entire day. I’ve seen that look, we were visiting Disney World at the time. The campers were allowed to help with the care of some of the animals. Ms. Land said Julian listened intently and took great care in his assignments. He even was smiling as he cleaned up chicken poop!
Martina and I are thankful to Ms. Land for her belief in Julian and desire to have him involved, no matter what level his engagement. Her program, www.wellprogram.webs.com , has been a huge boost for Julian and (I’m sure) the other young people enrolled. If anyone reading this wants to assist her efforts and the amazing work she does please visit her organization’s (Autism Support and Advocacy Center) website at www.ausupportandadvocacy.com to learn more.
The six-week camp culminated with the program we attended , which featured yoga and martial arts performances, a group poetry recital and individual project presentations. Martina was beaming as she watched our son. Jared, I hope I don’t imperil his cool status, was clearly happy and proud as he watched his big brother. Afterwards we thanked Ms. Land for all the program had done for Julian. She quickly reversed the dialogue and thanked us, for allowing her the opportunity to be part of Julian’s life.
Yes, Julian is doing WELL.
Yes, he is! Sometimes he would follow an activity or task up with, “You know I can do this”. All I could say was, “Yes you can Julian, all on your own, yes you can”. And then you would see that awesome Julian smile. For him to identify these moments of independence, for him to seek that validation, for him to find pleasure in knowing that it was true…yes, Julian is doing well indeed. I am so proud of him!