BRAVE Speech & Language Services

Hannah

HANNAH

Age 21

“From Nonverbal to the Dean’s List: My BRAVE Path”

-A BRAVE Story of Defying Expectations and Redefining Possibility

My name is Hannah, and I will be a fourth-year student studying Early Childhood Studies at the University of Guelph Humber in September. Currently, I have an A average in my overall studies, and I was accepted on the Dean’s Honour List. I am athletic to the point where I was almost on every sports team you could think of while I was in high school. In my free time, I often go rollerblading when it is good weather outside, trying out food at different restaurants, going skiing and tubing during the winter season, as well as driving to places of interest. 

I believe that a child with Autism has the potential to achieve anything in life as long as they work hard for it. I define Autism as not a disability but a different ability because children with Autism can do anything in life that all children are able to do. I believe that when teachers promote inclusivity and belonging as well as the right supports for children with Autism in their classrooms, rather if it is in a daycare or a school setting, children with Autism will be better able to reach their fullest potential academically and developmentally. 

At first, when I was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 2, doctors told my parents that I would be non-verbal for the rest of my life, not be able to drive a car, and not be capable of pursuing a university degree. Well, I proved the doctors wrong by having supportive and optimistic parents by my side, as well as therapists, who believed that I was capable of doing anything in life. I worked very hard to get to where I am now as a 21-year-old individual. I am proud of myself.  

Young Hannah, Age 2 – Playing at the park with her family

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