Amelia & Aryana’s Story

For children with autism, navigating the world around them can be a daunting challenge. This is especially true for five-year-old Amelia and three-year-old Aryana, sisters who both have autism spectrum disorder. The girls’ mom, Kaylee, struggled to watch her daughters live in a world where their needs were often overlooked.

“Imagine living in a world where sound, light and touch hurt. Imagine wanting someone you love to hold you, but you can’t express how they should hold you so it doesn’t hurt. Imagine the clothes you wear prickling your skin even though your mom tells you they are soft. Imagine knowing a multitude of words but not being able to express yourself in a way that others understand. These experiences are enough to make anyone feel frustrated, confused and sad,” said Kaylee.

Despite having the same diagnosis, Amelia and Aryana each have unique personalities and challenges that shaped their early childhood.

“Amelia did not talk very much but had an adorable flair of personality,” said Kaylee. “It was clear she had a lot to say but wasn’t able to communicate in a way others understood. As a result, she struggled with self-harm and anger that was overwhelming for both of us. She was desperately seeking ways to speak and communicate so she could connect with people.

“Aryana also did not speak much at all, only naming colors repetitively. Additionally, she refused all touch, was wary of new people, and struggled to connect with the world around her.”

To help her daughters navigate these challenging experiences, Kaylee knew she needed help for their unique needs. After their pediatrician at McFarland Clinic referred them to ChildServe’s Autism program, they discovered a whole team of experts ready to help the girls access the world around them.