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Nathaniel's Story
Stepping up to the Plate for Autism By Melinda Copp
, I had never encountered autism. I couldn't bear to think that our son would spend his life as that character in the movie, and didn't think there was anything I could do about it. I was literally cursing myself at work that evening during the graveyard shift because even if there was something I could do, I was lucky to make enough money to even pay my bills, let alone pay for treatments and therapy. I knew I would have to work harder and better myself to become a better father and good provider, especially for Nathaniel's sake."
The Donchs also had to deal with the social stigmas that come with autism, and disabilities of all kinds. Many people, unless they have experience with autism, misunderstand the condition and the behaviors it causes.
"When he was young, Nathaniel's behaviors were often very challenging to all of us and quite bothersome to other people, even extended family members," Donch says. "Many would attribute his behavior to poor parenting and simply saw our explanations for his behavior as using his autistic label to excuse our inadequacies as parents."
This led the family to avoid going out in public with Nathaniel someone always stayed home with him during trips to the store and other family errands. And they gave up on having friends and family over to their house because their guests felt uncomfortable with Nathaniel's behavior and outbursts.
The Donchs have since overcome these challenges, and Nathaniel, who is now 14, is a star player for his 7th and 8h grade modified baseball team. He's their ace pitcher, and plays third base when he's not pitching. He still struggles with social skills and with school subjects that require the use of complex language, ideas and imagination. But he's at the top of his class in math, Donch says.
