Emmanuel is a happy, outgoing three-year-old La Rabida patient with autism receiving occupational therapy and speech therapy at La Rabida. Thanks to his family and the help of the supportive team around him, Emmanuel is learning to use an assistive communication device and is working on forming different short phrases to let the world know what he’s thinking.

Emmanuel loves movies and characters from Cars and anything from Pixar. He also really enjoys dance, gymnastics, and any outdoor activities.

“One of my favorite things that Emmanuel’s mom has said is that autism doesn’t limit him in any way -- that is awesome and neurodiverse affirming,” said Jenny Winberg, a Speech-Language Pathologist working with Emmanuel at La Rabida.

“Emmanuel is learning to communicate in a variety of ways, and is able to share and engage more with his family and peers because of it. Using these combination of modalities is helping him to thrive, and be the happy guy he is!”

When Emmanuel first received his communication device, he went to a Zumba class where all of the kids were introducing themselves, and he got to participate by using his device to tell everyone his name. All who were there created an inclusive environment that allowed him to share about himself in a way that he hadn’t before.

“Using the device has helped him develop his language,” says Jesusita, Emmanuel’s mom.

April is Autism Acceptance Month. Emmanuel is a shining example that autism is not limiting and he's doing a great job teaching others about acceptance and inclusion. Keep up the great work Emmanuel!