By Kimberly Gasuras
CCN Reporter
The Zellner family has been part of the world of autism for the past 12 years and they want to share their story in hopes that it will help others.
Traci, mom to 16-year-old Owen and 8-year-old Ross, said her oldest son was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome when he was four years old.
“I contacted Robin Showers at Bucyrus Elementary School and had him evaluated,” Traci said.
Ryan Zellner, the boy’s father, said the doctor that diagnosed Owen moved away right after that.
“So, we had to scramble to find another doctor, Ryan said. “It was a struggle.”
Traci said Bucyrus City Schools was extremely helpful with Owen, and later with Ross.
“They provided Owen with his own personal aide, which was a Godsend,” Traci said.
Owen did not continue with the aide as he headed into high school.
“He does not do well with change, but he has adapted extremely well to high school and was recently accepted into the welding program at Pioneer (Career and Technology Center),” Traci said.
When Ross was born, everything seemed fine until one month after he turned two years old.
“He was talking until that point,” Traci said.
Erika, the boys’ stepmother, said Ross’ doctor diagnosed him with an ear infection and attributed his lack of speech to that.
“His pediatrician said to wait for six months, until he was two-and-a-half (years old),” Erika said.
Traci said she had it marked on her calendar and called on that date to make an appointment with Ross’ physician.
“He had never started to talk again,” Traci said. “It was a long six months.”
Traci said Ross was referred to the National Autism Center for testing and was diagnosed with non-verbal autism in April 2012. Ross was enrolled at Fairway for early intervention.
“We also had Help Me Grow, which was very helpful,” Traci said.
All three parents agree that finding resources for kids on the Autism spectrum is a challenge in a rural county.
“The programs at Fairway are wonderful, but Ross eventually plateaued. There was nothing more they could do for him,” Traci said.
Since Traci’s job at that time allowed her a flexible schedule, she took on most of the research to find the best place for Ross.
“There was nothing in Crawford County that serves kids with autism. I found Silver Lining in Mansfield but there was no transportation because we live more than 27 miles from the school,” Traci said.
Traci said she could get Ross there and back on most days and Ryan and Erika helped out when they could.
“We all work so it was difficult to get him back and forth to school,” Traci said. “We did it but it was definitely a joint effort with my mom helping out also.”
Traci said Silver Lining moved to a new building, even further away near Lexington. She contacted John Massara at Bucyrus City Schools.
“He was instrumental in bringing Catapult, School of Autism to Crawford County. It opened last fall in the Trillium Event Center on Southern Avenue in Bucyrus. It has been a Godsend. Ross is doing extremely well there and the staff is phenomenal,” Traci said.
Massara said he worked with the School of Autism in Findlay to bring Catapult to Crawford County.
“There was a huge need for a school for autism in our area,” Massara said.
Traci said there are approximately 16 students currently enrolled at the school and plans to increase that number are underway.
“We just can’t say enough good things about the school,” Ryan said.
Traci said there is a lack of resources in the area for children on the autism spectrum.
“I joined groups on the internet and contacted the Ohio Department of Education and the Center for Autism and Dyslexia for as much information as I could gather to help Ross,” Traci said.
She said although Ross does not wander off, many children with autism do.
“People can contact the Crawford County Board of Developmental Disabilities for door alarms,” Traci said.
Ryan is on the board.
“We need more resources in Crawford County for autism because there are many children on the spectrum in our area,” Ryan said.
Traci said she has worked with the National Autism Association and received grants through that agency.
“I received grants for an iPad for Ross and equine therapy sessions, which have been great for him,” Traci said as Ross sat with Erika, playing on his iPad.
Traci said she joined several organizations to help her son and others with autism.
“I am currently active with Cookies for iPads, the Autism Walk-a-Thon and the Make It Fit Foundation,” Traci said.
Traci also has her own Facebook page in which she shares her family’s story, Words for Baby Bird: An Autism Journey. The page may be found here.
For more information about Catapult Learning Center and the Center for Autism and Dyslexia, visit its webpage here.