Myers Family Grateful for Autistic Son

 

By DANIELLE REID

Patriot Publishing

Autism Spectrum Disorder.  To some people it is a mystery.  To others it is something to hide or be feared. But to Jordan Myers and Amanda Tuttle, whose three-year-old son, Oliver, has Autism, it has become a platform for sharing information.

The Radford toddler was recently in the news because he placed second in the quarter-finals of the Hasbro 2026 National Toddler of the Year competition.  Funds raised during the competition are donated to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Toys for Tots foundation.

A while ago, Oliver’s father was scrolling on-line and came across information on Facebook about the contest.

“Although the winner would receive a $25,000 cash prize, we were more interested in bringing awareness about Autism and showing that Autistic kids deserve to be looked at like any other kid with acceptance and understanding.  We really want to advocate for Oliver – and kids like him – because he can’t speak for himself,” said Myers.

A child advances in the competition when he receives votes, so the family got busy talking to family, friends,church members – even strangers on the street – to garner votes for Oliver.  There were more than 100,000 children competing and Oliver’s parents were surprised and blessed by the number of votes he received.

“We have been overwhelmed by the love and support from everyone who has donated, voted or even posted on Facebook to support Oliver.  It was a real sense of community and love that we were feeling.  Oliver brings so much joy to everyone around him,” acknowledged Tuttle.  “Even his pediatrician comments that Oliver is always smiling and extremely happy,” she added.

Autism is considered a Spectrum Disorder and each individual will have different outcomes based on several factors, such as genetics, environment, early intervention, therapy and available resources. Providing professional, emotional and educational help early on is especially important for a special needs child. Although Oliver has been diagnosed as Autistic, his older sister, Lily, age 7-1/2 and younger brother, Giovanni, age 1-1/2 are considered neurotypical.

There are three recognized levels of Autism.  Oliver is considered at Level 3.

Level 1 or Mild Autism individuals may not need intensive assistance and at first glance, Autism characteristics may not be noticeable. They frequently have average or above-average intelligence, speak fluently, but can struggle to initiate conversations, social interactions, or misinterpret facial expressions and unspoken social rules. They might engage in repetitive behaviors which don’t significantly interfere with daily functioning.  Some situations can create anxiety.

Level 2 Autism individuals demonstrate more obvious challenges with communication and behavior that can affect daily life. Verbal communication may be limited. Conversations may be one-sided or difficult to initiate and sustain, and nonverbal cues such as eye contact, gestures, and facial expressions are often limited or absent.  Social interaction and peer relationships can be difficult to form or maintain.  Sensor sensitivities such as loud noises or lights may trigger a meltdown or withdrawal.

Level 3 Autism is the highest diagnostic tier requiring around-the-clock support.  Individuals have elevated challenges in verbal and nonverbal communication and may rely on other forms of nonverbal communication such as picture exchange or sign language. Their social interaction can be very limited and may display unresponsiveness or disinterest to others. They may have profound reactivity to sounds, lights, touches or textures.  They require special care such as multiple therapeutic and support interventions.  Source: https://nexushealthsystems.com/3-levels-of-autism/

Tuttle explained, “In addition to raising awareness about Autism, the $25,000 contest prize money would have been used to help provide equipment and services not covered by insurance.  Things like special safety locks on doors, a special car seat so Oliver can’t remove the car seat straps, a cubby bed which provides a safe calming environment for sleep and prevents middle-of-night wandering. There’s lots of stuff you need, but don’t know about until you have a special needs child.”

“As a family with an Autistic child, we have learned a lot and it is more positive than negative.  It teaches you patience and understanding,” admitted  Tuttle.

Although at this time, Oliver is nonverbal, Tuttle says, “He can learn and communicates with his hands. For instance, he will pull us to what he wants, or he will grab our hands and put them on his tummy, asking for a hug.  He is going to speech therapy and says, ‘Mama and Dada’ and he loves to say, ‘ya’ when asked a question,” stated Tuttle.

In Tuttle’s quest for bringing visibility to Autistic children, she had some of her own challenges, like letting go of the fear of judgement.  She noted that at times parents with an Autistic child are aware of the side glances and people making comments while drawing back. She says that not everyone understands them, but Autistic kids are going to be out in public and when encountered, they deserve to be treated with kindness and compassion; and advises that there is nothing to be scared of – just treat them as other kids.

After being interviewed by a local news channel, Tuttle said she realized the need for support for other parents with Autistic children.  She is starting a support group for kids and families with Autism or special needs.

“Being a parent of a special needs child is not easy, but you are not alone.  Other parents have faced the same issues and need people to talk to. All my Mom friends and I have met other parents of Autistic kids who need people to talk to.  We all need support, and every child wants to be loved.  Having Autism doesn’t change that,” advised Tuttle.