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By Denise Bachman
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Like many first-time moms, Lauren Moye is a bit apprehensive about her 5-year-old son’s first day of kindergarten.
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But her concerns have nothing to do with separation anxiety. As a single parent who works full time at Fairmont Supply Co., Moye takes her son, Jayden Thompson, to day care on a daily basis.
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On Sept. 1, though, Jayden will be boarding a school bus bound for Washington Park Elementary, and sometimes he doesn’t deal well with change.
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Jayden has an autism spectrum disorder. He was diagnosed at age 3 by doctors at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh with pervasive developmental disorder, which is characterized by delays in socialization and communication.
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“I’m terrified of school and wondering whether he’ll go on the school bus,” Moye said while Jayden played with some of his superhero action figures in the family’s Washington apartment.
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“I know deep down in my heart, he’ll be OK,” she said.
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Jayden has a strong support system, starting with his mom, who has been his biggest advocate ever since she noticed a delay in his speech. Even though she was told all Jayden needed was speech therapy, she had her doubts.
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Read in Full:Â
http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/localnews/08-22-2010-Jayden-Thompson-autism-education