Ashlee

Nominated by Kylie Mcintosh, Care Coordinator, TAFT

Ashlee is a bright and determined 21-year-old diagnosed with autism and ADHD. Her mother noticed developmental differences early in her life, including that Ashlee was not acquiring language at the same pace as her older siblings. Trusting her instincts, she sought support through CDTC to ensure Ashlee had what she needed to thrive.

Ashlee receives medical and dental care, as well as care coordination, at CDTC. She receives dental services from Paulo Oliveira, DDS, whose gentle, patient approach makes her visits comfortable in a way her mother says would not be possible in a routine dental setting.

Despite extensive dental needs, past trauma and a deep fear of the dentist, Ashlee has found safety and comfort with CDTC’s dental team. She attends each appointment with her cat ears and headphones, a familiar routine that helps her settle comfortably into the visit. Over time, she has received significant dental treatment, but her greatest progress has been in her growing confidence and trust, captured in heartfelt moments like proudly including the dental team in one of her TikTok posts to show her gratitude.

“Watching her slowly feel safe in our office has been one of the most meaningful experiences for our entire team,” said Dr. Oliveira.

In addition to dental care, Ashlee receives primary care services with Dr. Robinson. Her mother describes their 14-year relationship with CDTC as consistently calming, supportive and deeply understanding, especially compared to past medical experiences that often felt stressful. Through the TAFT program, Ashlee’s care coordinator is actively preparing her for the transition to adult care this year and will accompany her to her first adult medical visit to ensure the process is seamless.

Ashlee has a close group of friends she speaks with daily and was recently nominated as “Social Butterfly” at Arc Broward. She currently participates in both JAFCO and Arc Broward programs, which have helped her develop responsibility, vocational skills and independence. She has even sold jewelry she created at JAFCO events and completed a Dunkin’ internship that further strengthened her confidence.

Reflecting on their journey with autism, Ashlee’s mother offers the following advice to other families: “Don’t look at it as a hindrance. See your child as unique and exactly who they are. It’s a happy challenge.”

She credits Ashlee with teaching her a deeper patience and endurance than she ever knew she had, and remains endlessly proud of Ashlee’s determination, love of learning and fearless willingness to try new things.