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Living life to the fullest

Despite Autism Ivan Rodriguez learning and playing ball

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If you saw 8-year-old Ivan Rodriguez on the ball field, you would not see him differently than any of the other children on the field.

That’s just the way his mother, Crystal Bennett likes it.

Ivan was diagnosed with Autism at the age of three. Since then he has proven doctors wrong time and time again.

Crystal fostered Ivan when he was a newborn. He was born addicted to four different drugs and spent three months in NICU. She adopted him after he turned a year old.

She was told he may never walk or talk. He certainly couldn’t learn to read or write. And he would never be able to play sports. Through the loving care of his family and intensive therapy, Ivan defies all the odds and crushes every obstacle before him.

He has been student of the month. He rides horses. He plays baseball. Ivan is no ordinary kid.

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated one in 36 children in the United States today.

April is Autism Awareness Month.

Ivan attends regular second grade classes most of the school day. He receives one-on-one help with reading and math through the SPED program at Wayne. His mother is very pleased with how Ivan is treated at school and on the baseball field.

This is his first year playing ball. Crystal says he loves it and practices all the time.

“He knows that he has to work harder than the other kids,” Crystal said. “He puts in the extra time.”

Crystal adds that the manager of Ivan’s team also has Autism. That first grader is not able to play on the field but he helps the team by keeping the batting order straight and supporting the other players.

Crystal appreciates the coaches of the Little League team.

Crystal said the coaches of the Wayne Red Sox team are wonderful and treat Ivan like all of the other kids.

“The coaches don’t sugar coat his mistakes and that has been great for him,” she confirmed.

Horseback riding has also helped Ivan come out of his shell. Equine therapy is very helpful for a wide range of things including Autism.

Because Autism is a spectrum disorder, each individual has unique strengths and challenges. Some people have severe limits while others can thrive independently.

Early intervention is the key to improving the quality of life for children diagnosed with Autism.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health has many resources for children with Autism and their families.

Right here in McClain County, English and Spanish speaking families have access to support groups, therapy, and many other resources to help children with Autism lead full, vibrant lives. 

Crystal began fostering children when she was just 24-years-old. She has fostered over 100 kids to date. She and her husband, Monte, have been married for three years and have seven children. More foster children will be welcomed to their loving home soon.

“Kids with Autism are not their diagnosis,” Crystal said.

She adds that adults with Autism can be excellent employees because of their punctuality and detail focused nature.

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