Autumn is here and the air is getting crisp. The holidays are around the corner.
While the 6 of us have grown leaps and bounds from the time we started "One Step" in 2012, we'd love to tell you about us, especially for our new friends. Our family consists of Dad Nick, Mom Marian, daughter Emily, sons Nick, Nicholas and Louis. No, it’s not a typo…there are 3 Nick’s. A little confusing at times, but we’ve managed to work around it.
I’m Mom Marian. I am the biological mother of both Nicholas and Louis, who are both on the autism spectrum. Officially, they were diagnosed with PDD-NOS; Nicholas, just 1 week into 3 years of age, and Louis at 18 months. I am an LPN, currently working as a Personal Care Supervisor at a local assisted-living facility. Nick and I have been married since 2004.
Dad Nick is currently a Program Coordinator for a local non-profit organization. He holds a bachelor's degree in Human Services Management. He and I formed this non-profit to raise awareness for autism and to advocate for individuals and families. His interests are music, playing guitar, writing and a passion for The Oakland Raiders.
Daughter Emily holds a bachelor's degree in Human Services. She has worked with individuals who have developmental disabilities, and now has a career in law enforcement. Emily’s interest is also music and has an amazing singing voice. Even though Emily and her husband Bill have their own family now, she will always be Nick and Lou's "big sister", and Bill is very close to both Nicholas and Louis. Son Nick, holds a bachelor's degree in physical education. He has taught at schools for individuals who have autism as well as developmental and intellectual disabilities. He currently is an educator in Ct. and coaches football at a local high school. Nick recently married and he and Jade are strong advocates for their brothers, and share a very close relationship.
Nicholas,
affectionately called “Zeke” is 24 years old. Nicholas also has a
strong interest in music, playing the drums since age 5. He graduated
from the College
Experience Program at College of St.Rose and is home working at a local market here in town.
Nicholas also loves to play video games and is a big NY Giants football
fan.
Louis, the “baby” in the family, stands 5’10” tall at age 20. Louis has made great strides these past years. He was basically non-verbal, going through different phases of communication; pointing, one-word commands, and using movie-jargon to make needs known. He now attends special education classes at a local high school and also is in the school to work program. Louis’ interests are dinosaurs, drawing and all kinds of artwork, going to the movies, and most recently singing. Louis likes to play the piano by ear.
Both Nicholas and Louis love getting together with Emily and Dad to play music. Our home has music in the air and we are all Beatles fans. The boys also like swimming and enjoy their pool. The entire family loves football and during the season we watch high school on Friday nights, college on Saturdays and the NFL on Sunday, Monday, and Thursday nights!! And don't forget to come and cheer Louis and the rest of the gang this spring at the Spring Special Olympics Games!!!!
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