| Barry and Cassie

Heartspring's Care Program is pleased to introduce our 2012 Autism Care Walk Spokeschildren, Barry & Cassie Ketcham. Barry and Cassie both have Asperger's syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder, and have been identified since they were both seven years old. That early identification has been the key to what amazing kids they are today. Through advocation and education, the world has become a lot less scary and vastly more accessible for Barry and Cassie.

Barry and Cassie have taught their family so much about love, respect, and empathy. They lean upon one another for support. Since their experiences are very similar, they know they can turn to each other for advice or even just a hug. They have often said that having a sibling with Asperger's is good for their social skills, because they can see their own struggles and strengths in each other. Barry has learned patience through teaching things to Cassie, while Cassie has learned how to communicate better, because she wants to be just like her brother.

The Ketcham family often looks at Asperger's as a gift rather than a disability. Asperger's gave them both a photographic memory, which allows them to remember a great deal of information they hear. This has proven to be a fantastic tool at school, especially as they listen to lectures. It gives their brains the freedom to process the information and store it for future use. Asperger's also gave them the ability to stand up in a crowded room and beg to be noticed for all the positive things they bring to world.

From the beginning, their parents, Brad and Denise, have taught them to stand up and be proud of the people they are and instilled in them that they have a responsibility to tell others what Asperger's means to them, and how it makes them unique. Many students at their school have a better understanding of Asperger's syndrome and autism, because of Barry and Cassie and their ability to advocate for themselves.

Barry and Cassie work very hard to understand the complexity of social norms, people, and how to interact with others. Like most families with children on the spectrum, they experience their share of struggles, but as parents, helping their kids recognize the areas that they need to continue to work on has helped them better understand how to help themselves.

Brad and Denise's vision for their children's future is simple according to Denise, "We want them to take the tools we have given them, and to continue to advocate for themselves, and to realize that limitation is something others place upon you, not what you place upon yourself."

Barry and Cassie will step forward to once again put a face on autism. It is through their caring parents and strong family bond, as well as the programs and therapies Heartspring's Care Program provides, that help Barry and Cassie eliminate some of the barriers that Asperger's has placed in front of them. Much of the time there is an emphasis put on research for the future of Autism, but children like Barry and Cassie need help NOW! By participating in the 2012 Autism Care Walk, you will ensure that these important programs and therapies for children with autism are in place and No One Waits.