The Pernell Family

Darren and Daniel turned 5 years old on March 12^th. Although some days are a CHALLENGE, we still are able to see the gifts in our family. Our son Daniel is in a typical pre-k class now and thanks to the SC Autism Society and their parent coordinator he has the supports in place to help him succeed. Even though he still struggles with appropriate behavior and using words instead of his hands, Daniel has made some friends in class and recalls his day to me which is REAL progress. Our other son Darren, is still in a self-contained pre-k class but he too is showing some positive steps. His speech teacher said in Darren’s last IEP his language has “exploded” but he still has a lot of squeaking and squealing too. Darren is eager to go to school and has become comfortable with the class routine.

Now that the boys have been approved to receive TEFRA (a form of Medicaid for children with special needs), our family can take full advantage of the grant that we were so blessed to receive from the Dalton Help Foundation. With TEFRA in place, the boys were able to begin speech, OT and PT again in December. We are currently in the process of interviewing PCA’s to come in and help at home as well.               

The Dalton Help Foundation Grant has helped our family pay medical expenses that our insurance and TEFRA would not cover. The Grant is funding multiple educational conferences for my husband and myself which is a priceless gift because the more we understand Autism, the better we can help our boys. The foundation is also paying for labs ordered by our DAN (Defeat Autism Now) doctor along with nutritional supplements.

                                                                                                                                Jennifer Pernell

                                                                                                                                Mother of Darren and Daniel Pernell