A Future Sports Star Introducing you to Antonio Liberatore BY DEBORAH RILEY • PHOTOS BY JULIAN CURET
2nd grader, Antonio Liberatore, is proof of what happens when you have a fierce advocate in your corner who refuses to accept the status quo. Antonio, who has autism, was non-verbal until he was 6-yearsold. His mother, Susie, refused to accept the feedback from therapists that he would not progress with his language. When she felt that a program was not serving Antonio’s abilities well, she would find another program. Susie recognized the smart boy that Antonio is and pushed for therapies to help him grow and gain skills. Through ABA and therapy, piece by piece things started to come together and when he started school, he was able to increase his communication, social skills, and learn how to make requests. Susie says, “Parenting with special needs is hard. There is no easy way to do it. Sometimes people will doubt you or your child. You know your child best and if something feels off, it is. I encourage parents
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to stay up to date as best as they can and to make sure that things are seamless between therapy and school. You are the best advocate
for your child. Even during the hard times, stand strong and proud.” Thanks to Susie continuing to stand strong for her child, he continues to thrive and see growth every day! Antonio is a busy guy! He stays as involved as he can, participating in Swimming with Autism, the Tallmadge baseball team, and playing basketball and soccer through Empower Sports. Antonio loves to play sports and be a part of the team but needs assistance. The sports programs in which he
