Along the way we found many people to help us lead the way.
Our son Jacob will always be autistic, but he is priceless. Over the past 6 years we have found many doctors, therapies, and other interventions to help us bridge the gap for our son. As time continued, however we saw a continuation of footsteps in the dark, trying to feel their way past this puzzling disorder called autism. We went through it blind, and have learned so much. It is now our turn to help others make their own educated decisions with regards to the path they take.
Susan Scheinman
Co-Founder/President Jacob's Bridge Through Autism
It must be taken into consideration that each person on the spectrum is different. That is why it is so important to be able to make an educated decision concerning a loved one. This site has been compiled in hopes that a person can come to this site and find what they need all under one roof. Our goal is to have links to various agencies throughout NH, support groups locally and nationally, and the latest in medical and biological interventions. We are looking to bridge the gap of the unknown. It is devastating enough to have the diagnosis of Autism come into your life, but even harder when you have to put the puzzle together yourself. We are here to put the puzzle pieces on the table and you can decide how you would like to put the puzzle together. There need to be many changes in our society, to help with this, but until this can be done something else needs to be done. With all of us helping out...one puzzle piece at a time...we will be able to complete this puzzle.
We are always looking for new ideas, articles, helpful hints and a pocketful of laughter. Please feel free to contact us with any suggestions.
We hope the web site Jacob's Bridge Through Autism will help others be able to help themselves and then when possible help others find their way.
Good luck to all...
November 2004 Update:
Jacob will turn 8 in January. He continues to grow each and every day...mentally, physically and emotionally. It's like an intense battle between two basketball teams. He gets ahead for some time then he falls behind. We, as parents, need to continually see where Jacob is at and give him the best game plan for that day to win. Its a day by day, moment by moment adventure, but we are winning the game at this time.
Jacob was once a typical child meeting all the milestones a parent would wish for then..AUTISM hit with a slam dunk in our face. Jacob was non-verbal/non-gesturing. He had gastro-intestinal issues, food allergies, sensory processing disorder issues, and was severely dyspraxic. Now Jacob is in 2nd grade with his peers; he can read, write and enjoys playing with all his classmates. Jacob continues to surprise us each and every day. He loves to play basketball, soccer and baseball. He loves to silent read with his older brother each night and he even helps his little sister who is learning how to read.
Early intervention was the key for us.
PLEASE READ BELOW
JACOB WROTE THIS ON ELECTION DAY 2004.
"IF I WERE PRESIDENT I WOULD RULE THE KINGDOM. I WOULD TELL PEOPLE TO DO THINGS. I WOULD MAKE GOOD RULES. I WOULD TELL PEOPLE TO NEVER KILL OTHER PEOPLE.
ONE OF THE RULES I WOULD MAKE IS THAT EVERYONE WOULD GO TO SCHOOL EVERYDAY. I WOULD MAKE THIS A RULE BECAUSE EVERYONE HAS TO LEARN"
Just remember: The sound of music...beautiful
The voice of a child...priceless
Wow another year has past us by. Jacob is now 9 years old and in the 3rd grade. He continues to work very hard at his reading and writing..which is difficult but he continues to work through it. He is very talented in math and sometimes quizzes mom and dad with equations.
Spring 2006 Update
Wow, another year has past us by. Jacob is now 9 years old and in the 3rd grade. He continues to work very hard at his reading and writing..which is difficult but he continues to work through it. He is very talented in math and sometimes quizzes mom and dad with equations.
Jacob this summer wanted to play football. At only 52 lbs soaking wet, we said yes, he had all the padding so he would be safe. It was an incredible experience for him and we saw him grow close to some of his teammates. What a change in him and the team even went 8-0 for the season.
Now its time for the basketball season and ski season. Jacob is our sports man and he was so very excited when Tony Stewart won the NASCAR'S NEXTEL CUP this year. Over the Thanksgiving Holiday we saw even more growth. He and his cousin Matt (only 3 weeks younger) went outside and played several pickup basketball games. The beautiful thing about it was they were conversing back and forth and playing a game. Jacob is once again the ball boy for the Plymouth State University team.
Another year will pass us by, but not without incredible growth from Jacob. We want to thank family, friends, teachers, case managers, local business and everyone else that helps Jacob grow. It truly does take a village to build a child.
Susan & John Scheinman
November 2006 Update
Jacob played baseball on the Plymouth Hannaford Blue Jays this past spring. He met Governor Lynch and threw out the 1st pitch at the Fischer Cats game for Autism Awareness Day. Jacob played football again for the Plymouth Regional Huskies this past fall. It continues to amaze us that he can put all that equipment on, but then feel a tiny tiny wrinkle in his sock.
He grows as a person and his smile is priceless. Football was harder this past season for him, but he was just happy being on the sidelines. As his friends grow and mature we can see he is not following the same pace, but he continues to try and that is what it’s all about. He can understand a drill in practice but in a game it is very hard because it isn’t planned out for him. The lessons he has learned from his coaches and teammates though are priceless and can not be bought or read from a book.
Now in the 4th grade he continues to need help with his academics. The school continues to help and support Jacob through his days. His favorite time at school is recess, playing football with the boys. His struggle to do homework after school has been eased by a “big brother figure” to help. The guys walk home, listen to music, play video games and do homework, what more can parents ask for. We take each day and go with what we have. There is still a long road ahead of us, but we are in this for the long haul and it’s a game we can not and will not lose!!!!!!!
Peace, Love, Health and Happiness to all.
Susan & John Scheinman
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