Misti first enrolled in Parents as Teachers to improve her parenting skills with your young son, Michael. 

When Michael was 3 years old, her parent educator, Barbara, encouraged Misti to visit the pediatrician for Michael’s 3-year-old checkup. “I didn’t even know you were supposed to take your child for a 3-year-old checkup!” Misti said. 

But Barbara had noticed he was lagging behind in a few areas. Her concerns were confirmed when the pediatrician diagnosed Michael with autism. Thanks to early intervention, Michael, now 6 years old, is a successful student and interacts with his classmates. 

Misti embraced the support she received. In her Native American culture, education and the practice of sharing what one has learned with others is emphasized. It’s also a value she sees reflected by the Parents as Teachers mission and vision. 

“Not a lot of parents take as much time as they need to with their children, and Parents as Teachers taught me how important that is in how they do in school and social relationships. With my son having autism, that made a big difference. 

I could have lost my child, but because of the early intervention services Parents as Teachers connected me to, I was able to have a verbal child who can interact socially now.”