Everyone Needs a Maddie in Their Life

Meet Maddie, also known in our family as our Maddie girl.

She’s 14 years old and in many ways a typical teenager. She enjoys skiing and playing tennis, she gets her nails done, she listens to country music, she loves vanilla ice cream with chocolate sprinkles, and she adores our dog, Dax. He’s the 85-pound chocolate lab sitting right there next to her.

Maddie has autism, but it doesn’t define her.
In fact, it’s what makes her Maddie.

She has an extraordinary ability to connect with people. Her dad and I like to call it her superpower. She lives life to the fullest and has the biggest smile. You just want to smile along with her and go for the ride.

We’re making it personal and celebrating #AutismAwarenessMonth in honor of Maddie and so many other kids like her because, as one family friend put it, everyone needs a Maddie in their life. 💙

#autismnj #autismacceptance #makeitpersonal