In this episode I talk with Ashley Bennett, boy mom of 3 and amazing Special Education teacher.  Her oldest son, Ashton was born when Ashley was  just 19 years old.  He  was diagnosed with Autism at age 1.  As a teen mom,  taking college classes in addition to working, Ashley had to come to terms with the unexpected discovery that her baby boy had developmental delays.  When Autism was mentioned, Ashley didn’t even fully comprehend what that meant for Ashton or for the future.

Ashley talks about the early years when much of her time and attention was devoted to educating herself and helping her young son get all the interventions and therapies he needed.  She believes her son’s diagnosis prompted a calling for her life’s work.  Ashley persevered through the challenges to achieve not 1, but 3 college degrees.   She currently motivates and inspires her High School Life Skills students every day, making a positive difference for them and for their families.

This is part 1 of a 2 part episode.   Tune in next week for the second half of Ashley’s adventures.

Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities
https://www.uhcl.edu/autism-center/

Early Childhood Intervention Services
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/early-childhood-intervention-services

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