|
Heidi Fernandez
Campaign Champion, Georgia
 Campaign Champion Heidi Fernandez knows the
importance and benefits of early detection of a
developmental delay. Heidi’s son Andrew was
diagnosed with autism at 2½ years of age. But before
his official diagnosis, Heidi and her husband began
to see signs of developmental delays and took action
right away. Once they learned of Andrew’s diagnosis,
they took steps to help him develop to his full
potential.
“As soon as we learned about Andrew’s diagnosis, my
husband and I contacted the local Babies Can’t Wait
provider to get him into the services and activities
he needed,” Heidi says. “The past 9 years have been
a challenge, and the progress Andrew has made is
amazing. Getting a diagnosis early and starting
intervention has definitely been the reason for his
progress. We are so proud of Andrew; sometimes it
brings tears to my eyes.”
Today, Andrew, age 12, participates in basketball
camps and local swimming lessons, and he has been
chosen “Most Friendly” by his peers at school. Last
year, Andrew‘s school chose him to be a “Star for a
Day,” and he had the opportunity to recite the
Pledge of Allegiance to the entire school.
 With Andrew’s experience, Heidi is passionate about
efforts to educate parents about the importance of
monitoring developmental milestones and of early
intervention. She co-chaired the 2006 Cure Autism
Now Walk in Atlanta, is an advocate for Georgia
Community Support and Solutions, and has coordinated
many candidate forums for legislators. Heidi also
distributes “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” campaign
materials and talks with parents and health care
professionals when she attends conferences or hosts
events.
“Knowledge is power—informing parents about
developmental milestones and the importance of early
intervention is a collaborative effort between
doctors and champions in changing the lives of
children,” says Heidi. “The campaign has really
helped facilitate this collaboration and helps
parents and doctors begin a dialogue.”
A lesson learned firsthand, she explains that
parents should feel comfortable talking with their
child’s doctor because it will open discussion about
the child’s development. She says that the more
parents work with their child’s doctor, the faster
they will be able to find the best way to help the
child.
For her work in the community, Heidi has been
recognized by many organizations, including the
Georgia Chapter of the Autism Society of America and
the Governor’s Council on Developmental
Disabilities. She has been featured in Atlanta
Parent and The Autism Perspective
(TAP) magazines about her involvement in and
contribution to grassroots efforts.
Heidi wants to spread hope and the campaign’s
message to all parents. “If I could tell parents one
thing, it would be that early intervention can
forever change a child’s life—Andrew is living proof
of that message.”
Return to Partner Spotlight page |
