Hi, My name is Geneva Arevalo and my husband Daniel and I grew up in Walla Walla and are now raising our three kids here. Our sons Auggie (aged 16) and Avery (aged 14) have Autism. They were both diagnosed by the age of 3. They attend Walla Walla High School, Auggie in the RISE classroom, Avery in the REACH classroom. They are both very successful and enjoy going to school and the routine it provides. They played on the Wa-Hi Unified basketball team and they had a blast. Auggie averaged about 3 shots a game!
Their little sister, Alia, who is neurotypical, is 13 and a 7th grader at Garrison Middle School. She is really great with her brothers and tends to be protective and supportive of them. Auggie loves babies and animals. He loves doing puzzles and arts and crafts. Avery likes animals, and playing outside with our dogs, Joe and King. He's so sweet, even at 14, he still likes to cuddle with mom and get lots of hugs and kisses. Avery cuts cardboard several times a day for sensory support. He is mostly nonverbal, but he has his ways of communicating. As a family, we like being outside and taking walks, hikes and hanging out at different parks.
It can be hard maintaining friendships when your friends don't understand you or your kids' challenges. Since joining the WWVDN community we have met so many great people and that helps us feel less isolated. Auggie and Avery really love SOAR. It gives them a place to go to be around people that are accepting, non judgemental, and can understand their day to day challenges. Auggie and Avery enjoy the events; craft and game nights, swimming, rock- climbing, and movie nights, are among their favorites.
SOAR helps our sons be more independent, make friends, and feel a sense of belonging. The advice I have as mother of two teenage boys with Autism; Love and support! Celebrate their differences. Celebrate their successes, no matter how small. Advocate for what you think is best, even if you feel like you're being a nuisance. Always Be Positive!
