Children who have autism and other developmental disabilities encounter unique challenges that often hinder their ability to thrive in conventional educational and social environments. Sadly, numerous individuals do not have access to the required resources and facilities to help manage their condition. This absence of resources can negatively affect children, including reduced educational attainment, fewer job opportunities, and a greater likelihood of mental health issues. 

Desiree Campos is among the individuals dedicated to providing essential support and resources to help children with autism and other developmental disabilities achieve their full potential. Desiree’s own struggle to find the right resources and facilities for her son diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, motivated her to help families like hers and create change in the community. 

Transforming Personal Experience into Community Inspiration 

Desiree Campos’s journey to founding Abel’s Dream Foundation began with her personal experience as a mother to a child with autism spectrum disorder. Desiree had suspected that her son, Abel, had autism from a young age, but her concerns were often dismissed by medical professionals. As a result, Abel did not receive the early intervention he needed to develop his language and social skills. 

It wasn’t until Abel was five years old that he received a formal diagnosis, after months of seeking evaluation and treatment. Throughout this journey, Desiree faced significant challenges in finding the right resources and support for her son. The income-based system and long wait times for services left her to pay out of pocket for medical care, treatments, and in-home equipment to keep her child safe. 

Desiree’s experience of struggling to find the necessary resources and support for her son motivated her to create change in the community. She wanted to ensure that families like hers did not feel lost in the process of finding resources and support for their children with autism and other developmental disabilities. This drive led her to establish Abel’s Dream Foundation. 

Empowering Individuals to Reach Their Full Potential 

Abel’s Dream Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to provide families who have children with autism and other developmental disabilities with the resources and support they need to thrive. The foundation offers grants for school, in-home expenses, health expenses, job training, preparation, and placement for adults with autism and disabilities to lead productive and fulfilling lives. 

Abel’s Dream Foundation is committed to creating a safe and accepting community for children and teens to receive mental health services, education on the importance of mental health, and anti-bullying campaigns to help turn negative stigmas into positive ones. The foundation aims to empower individuals to reach their full potential through its various initiatives and programs. 

Abel, the inspiration behind the foundation, is a loving little boy who adores locomotives and continuously teaches his family something new about life every day. Despite his diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder combined with ADHD and intellectual disability, Abel reaches for the stars and is a reminder of the potential that every child with autism and other developmental disabilities has. Abel’s Dream Foundation is dedicated to helping these children and their families navigate the challenges that come with their condition and providing them with the support and resources they need to thrive. 

Expanding Abel’s Dream Foundation’s Reach and Impact 

Desiree’s vision for Abel’s Dream Foundation is to create more opportunities and programs for families with children and adults with autism and disabilities. Her goal is to expand the foundation’s reach and open more after-school programs, summer camps, job training, mental health programs, and college readiness programs. Additionally, she hopes to create new programs for bi-weekly haircuts and dental checkups, which are hard to find in many communities. 

Abel’s Dream Foundation will partner with local organizations, schools, and businesses to hold workshops, events, and other community initiatives to achieve these goals. These events will provide opportunities for families to learn about the foundation’s services and connect with others in similar situations.  

Desiree strongly believes that autism is not a disease but a distinctive way of thinking and perceiving the world that is often overlooked. She urges parents of children with autism spectrum disorder to be their child’s primary advocate and voice, stating, “Fight for what your child deserves and needs, and do not let anyone make you feel like they deserve any less. When you feel overwhelmed, remember that it’s okay to be human and know that you are not alone. Your child sees you as their hero every morning when they wake up.” Desiree’s personal experience as a mother to Abel continues to inspire her to fight for change and help struggling families find the resources and support they need. 

The post Desiree Campos: Turning Personal Struggle into Community Support appeared first on WomLEAD Magazine.