A’Ni’s family could tell he was different. He didn’t play with toys, often repeated words or phrases he heard, had emotional outbursts, and didn’t respond to things the same as other children. His pediatrician at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Eastland Primary Care Center referred him to the Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic for evaluation.  

At his appointment, A’Ni was diagnosed with global developmental delay and set up with occupational therapy to strengthen his gross and fine motor skills while he waited on formal autism testing. At his autism evaluation, it was concluded that A’Ni had autism spectrum disorder level 2.  

Having an official diagnosis of autism has allowed A'Ni to have a more specific IEP (individualized education program) that ensures he has support at school. With the support of Patricia Nash, MD, Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician A'Ni is now thriving in the second grade.  

At a recent appointment, Dr. Nash was shocked at how much A’Ni had progressed. He was vocal and interactive, as opposed to his first appointment where he was reserved and refused to interact. “I was so amazed by the care my child received at the clinic that I became an employee to give back to families as I was once in their shoes,” says A’Ni’s mother, Nia. Nia has been an ambulatory nurse in Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics at Nationwide Children’s for two years.  

Today, with the support of his family, doctors, and therapists, A’Ni is doing great. He enjoys reading books, spending time with family, trying new foods, and playing soccer during the warmer months.