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| The Story of Alexis and how the Alexis Foundation started. |
Alexis was born nine years ago. A healthy birth by all accounts. Bright eyed and happy
from the start.
Her mother determined to do all the right things. Took her to every well visit on time.
Made sure Alexis had all the required shots. Not knowing that looming in each one was a
distant world she was slowly slipping into. At her six month visit her mother asked the
doctor why she wasn't raising her head. Her mother being young and trusting listened to
the doctor as he said; "All children develop at their own pace. She's just a little delayed."
At eleven months, Alexis mom took her to a neurologist at the advice of a family friend
who was an MD. Alexis, her Nana, Papa and mom all watched as the doctor took five
minutes with her and came back to say Alexis has Autism. What is Autism? A question
with so many answers. None they wanted to hear. The doctor informed her mom and
grandparents at this time that an institution might be a better place for Alexis. "She will be
nothing but a six month old infant for the rest of her life. A financial and emotional
burden." So says the neurologist. (He didn't know who he was talking to!)
The Journey begins....
OK so Alexis has Autism. Now what? Alexis started physical, occupational and speech
therapy right away. Started going to the doctor to get more test done. An MRI, EEG, and
CAT scan to follow. Over the years she had improvements. Many nights were spent in
hospitals because Alexis was ill and no one knew why. Often being told that the out
come looked grim. Alexis has beat all the odds. Told she would never walk, she now
walks. (Thanks to a great PT) Told she would never communicate, she does. With PECS,
augmentative device and sign language.
Like many children on the spectrum Alexis has defied all odds. She has over come and
surpassed many experts expectations. She will continue to do so. Alexis and her mother
do not know the meaning of the word "can't."
In 2005, Erica Kosares decided it was time to start the foundation. Her children now both
in school she had a few extra hours during the day to spend on helping other families.
What she found was an overwhelming cry for help. Parents didn't have someone to talk
to that actually would take the time to speak with them. Schools were pushing kids in to
classrooms that were not appropriate. What concerned Erica the most was the lack of
officer training. This was her first hurtle to tackle. Ambitious in her goal she plans on
making sure all officers in the state of Florida are trained about Autism. If you ask her
what the future holds, she will tell you ,many things. "I hope to open a school, community
center, have a group of Doctors that actually know what they are doing and talking about. I
have many dreams for the future, but mostly I want to know my daughter and other
children like her will be successful in what ever they choose to do. I want her to be happy
and proud of who she is."
from the start.
Her mother determined to do all the right things. Took her to every well visit on time.
Made sure Alexis had all the required shots. Not knowing that looming in each one was a
distant world she was slowly slipping into. At her six month visit her mother asked the
doctor why she wasn't raising her head. Her mother being young and trusting listened to
the doctor as he said; "All children develop at their own pace. She's just a little delayed."
At eleven months, Alexis mom took her to a neurologist at the advice of a family friend
who was an MD. Alexis, her Nana, Papa and mom all watched as the doctor took five
minutes with her and came back to say Alexis has Autism. What is Autism? A question
with so many answers. None they wanted to hear. The doctor informed her mom and
grandparents at this time that an institution might be a better place for Alexis. "She will be
nothing but a six month old infant for the rest of her life. A financial and emotional
burden." So says the neurologist. (He didn't know who he was talking to!)
The Journey begins....
OK so Alexis has Autism. Now what? Alexis started physical, occupational and speech
therapy right away. Started going to the doctor to get more test done. An MRI, EEG, and
CAT scan to follow. Over the years she had improvements. Many nights were spent in
hospitals because Alexis was ill and no one knew why. Often being told that the out
come looked grim. Alexis has beat all the odds. Told she would never walk, she now
walks. (Thanks to a great PT) Told she would never communicate, she does. With PECS,
augmentative device and sign language.
Like many children on the spectrum Alexis has defied all odds. She has over come and
surpassed many experts expectations. She will continue to do so. Alexis and her mother
do not know the meaning of the word "can't."
In 2005, Erica Kosares decided it was time to start the foundation. Her children now both
in school she had a few extra hours during the day to spend on helping other families.
What she found was an overwhelming cry for help. Parents didn't have someone to talk
to that actually would take the time to speak with them. Schools were pushing kids in to
classrooms that were not appropriate. What concerned Erica the most was the lack of
officer training. This was her first hurtle to tackle. Ambitious in her goal she plans on
making sure all officers in the state of Florida are trained about Autism. If you ask her
what the future holds, she will tell you ,many things. "I hope to open a school, community
center, have a group of Doctors that actually know what they are doing and talking about. I
have many dreams for the future, but mostly I want to know my daughter and other
children like her will be successful in what ever they choose to do. I want her to be happy
and proud of who she is."
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