Ashley R, age 3

Photograph by Carolina Mascarin (2022)

Three words describe Ashley: love, joy, and perseverance. Ashely’s family says, she is a constant ray of sunshine for them and teaches them patience and faith.

While Ashley has a diagnosis of autism and cannot currently speak well, she finds ways to adjust and has developed other skills to communicate. One special moment her mother recalls is when Ashley first called her “mom”—her efforts gave her mother hope in Ashley’s communication skills.

Ashley inspires her mom, Yokasta, every day through her consistent love and joy. “I will always fight for her progress, and we have faith that one day Ashley will be able to speak in three languages.”

Tres palabras describen a Ashley: amor, alegría y perseverancia. La familia de Ashley dice que es un rayo de luz constante en sus vidas y que les enseña a tener paciencia y fe.

Aunque Ashley tiene un diagnóstico de autismo y actualmente no puede hablar bien, encuentra formas de adaptarse y ha desarrollado otras habilidades para comunicarse. Un momento especial que recuerda su madre es cuando Ashley la llamó por primera vez “mamá”; sus esfuerzos dieron a su mamita esperanza en las habilidades comunicativas de Ashley.

Ashley inspira a su mamita, Yokasta, todos los días con su constante amor y alegría. “Siempre lucharé por su progreso, y tenemos fe en que un día Ashley podrá hablar en tres idiomas”.

Family Connection of South Carolina provides services and resources to families who have a child with a disability or specialized healthcare need. Since 1990 we have served more than 100,000 families and today our services are needed more than ever. We focus on parent-to-parent support, guidance with navigating the complex healthcare system, and assistance with school meetings and special education plans.