TRIUMPHING THROUGH CHALLENGES WITH A SPLASH OF JOY Diving In with Noah Saley BY MELISSA KLATT • PHOTOS BY JULIAN CURET
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n the bustling hallways of Green Intermediate School, you’ll find an energetic and friendly face, that of 11-year-old Noah Saley. Noah, a fourth-grader, exudes warmth and happiness that lights up every room he enters. Behind his infectious smile lies a remarkable journey of resilience, triumph, and a supportive community that has propelled his growth and development.
The Journey of the Autism Diagnoses
Noah was diagnosed with autism at the tender age of two, a pivotal moment that prompted his family to embark on a journey of understanding and navigating the challenges that lay 36
January 2024
ahead. His mom, Tina Saley, reflects on the early days when Noah’s speech development was slower than expected: “We noticed he wasn’t talking as much as we’d expected. He was receiving speech and occupational therapy services at the time. One early challenge that we encountered as a family was that when he was diagnosed with autism, our insurance no longer covered his therapies because it was a plan exemption. We are lucky that this is no longer an issue, but it was really hard at the time.” Swift action was taken, and Noah was receiving speech and occupational therapy services, setting the foundation for his developmental path. Noah
faces significant challenges with communication, both receptively and expressively. The teachers and therapists he has worked with have played a pivotal role in shaping strategies that benefit not only Noah but the entire Saley family. Tina emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with support during challenging times, urging families to steer clear of negativity and find strength in shared experiences. A Mom’s Advice to Other Special Needs Parents
Tina’s advice for parents facing similar journeys hits home in our hearts: “For a child who
