By Vicki Prichard
NKyTribune Reporter
When John and Emily Michels became parents in 2006, their son Drew seemed every bit a happy healthy baby boy. At his first-year checkup, however, the pediatrician noted a few flags; Drew was not yet walking or talking. Three months later, during a follow-up visit, the physician remained concerned that Drew was not hitting milestones. He recommended that Drew enter the First Steps, a statewide early intervention program that helps children, up to the age of three-years-old, with developmental delays.
When Drew turned three and was discharged from First Steps, the Michels’ knew that something still wasn’t right.
They were referred to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital where Drew went through a lengthy evaluation. In 2010, at the age of four, he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
“There was the fear of being first time parents, capped with the fear of this new disorder that we knew nothing about,” says John Michels.
One thing they quickly learned was the need for patience.
“It’s a never ending learning curve, but you adapt as you go and the greatest thing you can do is support them and accept who they are,” says Michels. “Their brain is just wired a little differently is all.”
The Michels decided to do what they could to offer support to other families with an autistic child.
Three years ago, the Michels started the Drew Michels Autism Awareness Tournament at Covington Catholic High School, where John is the head junior varsity baseball coach. The purpose of the baseball tournament is to benefit families with autistic children and raise awareness. In that time, they’ve raised $54,000, which went to the charity, ACT Today for Military Families.
“They are wonderful organization and we will continue to support them personally,” says Michels. “It was our honor to help military families who struggle with caring for autistic children.”
The event takes place Saturday, April 9 at Covington Catholic High School. Games begin at 9 a.m.
This year, however, the proceeds from the tournament will stay closer to home, benefitting the Ken Anderson Foundation which focuses on building living facilities for the underserved community of Greater Cincinnati adults living with autism and developmental disorders. The foundation was started by former Bengals quarterback, Ken Anderson.
In an email, Anderson says he looks forward to attending the tournament and watching “some great baseball.”
“We appreciate everything Emily and John Michels are doing, as well as their volunteers, to bring awareness to autism in the Greater Cincinnati area,” says Anderson.
Anderson says that while there are many resources to benefit children and teens, there is a serious lack of options for adults living with autism. KAF’s mission is to create and sustain a community for adults living with autism and developmental disabilities.
“Autism is a life-long struggle for both affected individuals and their families,” says Anderson.
KAF’s mission appealed to the Michels.
“The reason we thought of Mr. Anderson’s charity was because it was local and, because, as Drew approaches 10-years-old we worry some about what happens when he becomes an adult,” says Michels.
That “big unknown,” says Michels, spurs worries as to whether Drew will ever be able to care for himself at some point -– get a job, or have friends and a place to live.
“When we heard Mr. Anderson was trying to build a home for adults with autism and other developmental disorders, we thought that it seemed like a perfect fit for our tournament,” says Michels. “It just seemed like the right place for us at this point and we know there are many parents out there who have to struggle with the same thoughts of what happens when they are no longer able to take care of their child.”
Teams from Ryle High School, Newport Central Catholic, and the host Covington Catholic, will participate in the tournament.
Before each game, a young child diagnosed with autism will throw out the first pitch. Drew Michels traditionally throws out the first pitch in the last game, giving him a chance to take the field with his mom and dad.
Michels says their son’s personality, and the fact that he was diagnosed early, has helped him blossom.
“He brings joy to your heart that you can’t imagine,” says Michels. “We are so very fortunate to have had so many wonderful friends, family, teachers, doctors, therapists, bus drivers and many more, who have touched our lives and helped and loved Drew.”
The tournament, says Michels, is not so much about Drew as it is the parents of autistic children.
“This is not about our son,” says Michels. “This is about the parents who never get a smile, never get a kiss, who cannot touch their children and who never hear, “I love you mommy and daddy.” Even though we never have a day where autism doesn’t rear its ugly head, we get all of that from Drew and we are very lucky.”
To find out more about the Drew Michels Autism Awareness Tournament visit www.dppinc.org, or the Ken Anderson Foundation at www.kenandersonfoundation.com.