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After hearing a song once, he could sing it back perfectly. In fact, he could sing the part of every instrument played in the song without error. He did the same with TV shows, like “Bob the Builder,” repeating the entire script of the show at times.
Though the McCormicks soon began to wonder about Caron’s level of comprehension, it was Mike’s mother, Patti, who noticed Carson’s behaviors were telltale signs of autism. In November 2005, a diagnosis by a panel of Gundersen Lutheran physicians confirmed it.
Three-year-old Carson had autism. The McCormicks were devastated.
“We knew something was wrong but didn’t realize it would be so serious. At the time, we just grasped on to what we saw as the positives — he was very high functioning and his assessment results were promising,” Jaine said.
Once they started therapy, the Onalaska family learned quickly that those almost genius-like behaviors Carson displayed were part of an autistic role they would need to continually pull him out of. It was going to be a full-time job, but they were up to the challenge. Anything it took to help their little boy succeed, they were willing to do it.
But his success would stem largely from the availability of occupational therapy items — items that would need to be purchased out of pocket.
“The government only covers so much and insurance companies don’t cover anything. The money we received from Children’s Miracle Network was huge,” Jaine said. With it, the family purchased such items as tactile balls, a lycra swing, building boards and oral motor blocks that make a huge difference in Carson’s everyday life.
“We will forever be thankful,” Jaine said.
Today, Carson still struggles with inflexible thinking. Activities that are out of the norm or occur without warning can lead to a meltdown. Unplanned trips to the grocery store require an advance warning, and the McCormicks, with three other children, find establishing a routine challenging.
Additionally, Carson has trouble with sensory issues. He can hear a lawn mower three blocks away, or a train five miles away. Something as simple as a butterfly’s irregular pattern of flight can cause major sensory issues and lead to a screaming fit.
However, the occupational therapy items the family was able to purchase have proven extremely helpful.
“Carson’s body just isn’t centered like our bodies are. How going to the moon might feel for us is comparable to how Carson may feel all the time,” Jaine said. “Things you and I take for granted, Carson had to be taught. Things like chewing or sticking out his tongue.”
With the help of the occupational therapy tools and some in-home therapy, Carson has learned some amazing coping skills that help him feel centered, and, at 5 years old, he is able to tell Jaine and Mike when he needs to take a moment to use his trampoline or swing. He also knows special strategies to help him cope and thrive at his preschool.
“I really just want people to know that CMN is out there and waiting to help. This organization and the people in it have made such a difference in our lives,” Jaine said. “It’s amazing to think that they didn’t even know of our existence before we mailed in the application.
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