Elizabeth couldn’t speak. She wasn’t expected to ever utter a word.
She couldn’t read. She struggled to make trips outside of the house. Certain smells and loud sounds bothered her. She didn’t like being hugged or cuddled. It was difficult to nurture her. Her attitude was often poor, and who could blame her?
Throughout her childhood, Elizabeth’s family tried to remain hopeful. But it was difficult for them to even communicate with their child. While her parents were doing their best, day to day life was full of challenges.
Her behavior affected everyone, including her older brother Daniel. It kept them from going on family vacations, or even simple outings to the grocery store. But her parents stayed patient. Elizabeth’s mom reminded her every night how much she was loved, despite the fact that she knew she would never hear it back.
Elizabeth has severe autism and Dravet syndrome.
The two often occur together and both can severely impact a person’s life. Elizabeth was diagnosed with Dravet at two and a half years old. The autism diagnosis came a week later. Both changed her life forever.
But about 3 years after the bad news, a positive change came for her and her family: a dog. Elizabeth’s mom had looked into getting a service dog hoping that, by some miracle, it may help her daughter. At the end of the dog’s first visit, Elizabeth said “bye.”
It was the first word she ever spoke.
After training had concluded and the dog came to permanently live with the family, they continued to see many positive changes in Elizabeth. She was more outgoing, less reserved, and an overall happier child. Now, 6 years later, Elizabeth can talk, read, and join her family on outings. This year they’re planning a family vacation to Menorca.
But above all, the most heartwarming thing is that Elizabeth can now say “I love you.” And it’s evident how much she means it. She has an everlasting love for her family and her dog, just as they have for her.
Her diagnosis may have provided the family some unusual obstacles, but they’ve got bountiful hope and a furry friend by their side.
Read more about Elizabeth’s story here.
