From Silence to Strength

When Mali moved to the District of Columbia, her young son, Beck, wasn't speaking and showed early developmental delays. He received a diagnosis of autism the following year. Mali was anxious to get treatment for Beck at this critical developmental stage, but it was hard to find quality services in a new city. A friend told her about Easterseals’ remarkable child development programs.  

“When I did a walkthrough in the child development center, I saw kids of all abilities playing together. It was a diverse and happy environment. I was so happy to finally access the services he needed,” says Mali. 

Over the next few months, Easterseals staff supported Mali and provided Beck with early intervention therapy. Soon something clicked and he began speaking. Today, Beck is an active, fully engaged young man! 

Mali has since joined the Easterseals DC MD VA Board of Directors and has served in several leadership positions. Her goal is that no child is treated differently and that every person with disabilities receives respect.