Laura Shares Her Story

Both my boys are on the spectrum & were very much into turtles when they were young. When Isaiah was in 3rd grade he said he liked turtles because they can go in their shell and no one can bother them. When Isaiah would have a tough day at school he would call me & I would tell him to "turtle". He would literally pull his arms into his shirt while sitting at his desk, become a turtle, take some deep breaths until he could relax and get back to his day.

Fast forward to high school I asked my 15-year-old son, Isaac, to describe what it's like to have autism. He beautifully stated "Autism is like a turtle's shell. It's covering up a great personality that not everyone gets to see".

When Isaiah & Isaac were still in elementary school they gave me a turtle necklace charm which I will always cherish. The turtle analogy has been an amazing key to understanding & supporting my boys.