Hanson Family
Randall, Chad, Luke and Logan
by KKC Photography
written by Sara Raynor
Randall and Chad Hanson watched their first son, Luke, hit all of the baby milestones until he was just over a year old. He had started saying some words, but then at about 14 months, regressed and stopped speaking altogether. He also began having eating and other sensory issues. At that point the Hansons knew they needed to get Luke some help and enrolled him into Early Intervention, as well as Speech and Occupational Therapy at Connect the Dots.
Luke didn’t speak again until one and a half years later, so they learned to use PECS to communicate with him. PECS is Picture Exchange Communication System. It uses picture cards to teach the child to communicate needs, at first, then graduates them to more complex communication.
Like many parents facing a diagnosis for the first time, the Hansons felt hesitant to seek help at first. Randall says that the ASD and sensory diagnoses ended up being a relief and helped them to get services for Luke that they wouldn’t have been able to get otherwise. They enjoy living in Riddle because of the slower pace of life and many outdoor activities that are available, and also because they live near extended family who are always willing to help with things that help the children excel.
Luke had a lot of support from EI and Connect the Dots. He is now three years old, and a sensory seeker, so for him (and mom) the playgrounds being closed recently, due to the coronavirus, posed a lot of frustration. They reached out to Early Intervention for help and were provided with a loaner indoor swing to help Luke move around. Before the playgrounds opened back up, Randall would make an indoor playground at home to help Luke meet his sensory needs.
Luke tends to be reserved, so his outgoing younger brother, Logan, gives him the confidence to go out into the world more. Their different personalities complement each other. He has learned to introduce himself to other kids his age, and with his brother at his side he is learning to make more connections to other people.
Luke’s mom says he has the ability to make others feel good about themselves. He has the best smile that uplifts those around him. He really likes dinosaurs and vehicles. Loud sounds are hard for him to tolerate, and something loud can ruin his day sometimes, but he loves loud things. His love of trains recently helped him overcome his aversion to the sounds they make. When the family was at Wildlife Safari recently, Luke surprised them by enjoying a train ride. Reflecting later, saying, “See mom, I did it! I rode the choo-choo train.” Randall knew what a big accomplishment this was for Luke. As he practices new things, it gives him the confidence to face other obstacles.
The Hanson family is new to the FEATT network. They learned about FEATT from a brochure and just recently got connected. Randall wants other parents to know that it’s Okay to have sadness and disappointment about the things you had imagined for your child. Your feelings are valid and don’t be ashamed of them. Reach out for support and find all the tools available to you. She says she learned so much through facing the process head-on, realizing she didn’t know much about Autism, and finding it to be a good way to help Luke understand why he thinks and feels different than others.