Our family is originally from Puerto Rico, and we moved to Florida in 2000 when our son Alejandro was just 10 months old. As new parents in a new place, we were filled with excitement and hope for the future. However, as Alejandro grew, we began to notice things that concerned us. By the time he was two, he wasn’t making eye contact, wasn’t talking, and had developed repetitive behaviors. We took him to the pediatrician several times, but each visit ended with the same explanation: “He’s not talking because he’s confused by both languages-English and Spanish.”
Despite these reassurances, we knew something was different. Our instincts told us there was more to Alejandro’s behavior, and we continued to push for answers. Finally, we were able to get an appointment for an evaluation. That’s when we heard the word "autism" for the first time, a word we had never encountered before. It felt like our world turned upside down. The path ahead seemed uncertain, filled with questions and challenges. We were told that he might not be able to do many things in life, which added to our fears and concerns. But instead of giving in to despair, we decided to focus on what we could do to help Alejandro thrive.
Early intervention became our beacon of hope. With the guidance of dedicated professionals and the support of our family, we embarked on a journey of discovery. We learned new ways to connect with Alejandro, to understand his unique perspective, and to celebrate his victories, no matter how small. Every step forward felt like a triumph, and every setback taught us valuable lessons.
As Alejandro grew, we realized that our support for him couldn’t stop at early childhood. We sought out programs and services that would help him develop the skills he needed to live more independently. We were fortunate to find schools and people who believed in him and were committed to his success. Today, Alejandro is a 24-year-old young man who is full of love and joy. He has a great sense of humor, loves NASCAR, and enjoys playing video games. His kindness and warmth touch everyone he meets.
A significant turning point in Alejandro’s journey came when he joined Ken's Krew, a program dedicated to coaching and training individuals with special needs to work in real-world environments. His coach, Ilana, understood him deeply, his strengths, his challenges, and his immense potential. With patience and dedication, she taught him not only job skills but also how to navigate social situations and build confidence in a workplace setting.
Thanks to the support from Ken's Krew, Alejandro secured a position at Home Depot, where he has truly thrived. Watching him proudly put on his orange apron and meticulously organize the bays in his aisle fills us with pride and gratitude. He’s not just performing a job; he’s building a life, gaining independence, and making meaningful contributions to his community.
Our journey has been filled with highs and lows, but as we look at Alejandro now, we wouldn’t change a thing. Thanks to early intervention, continuous support, and the incredible guidance from Ken’s Krew, he has found his place in the world and is flourishing in it. His story is a powerful reminder that with the right support, determination, and love, anything is possible.
Every day, we are reminded of how far Alejandro has come and how much he has achieved. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that every person has the potential to succeed when given the right opportunities. Our family is forever grateful to those who have walked alongside us, especially Ken's Krew and Home Depot, for helping to open doors we once thought were closed.
