For over 20 years Patty has been Patrick’s #caregiver!💚🙌🏽 Patrick Hawthorne, 31, is diagnosed with #autism #developmentaldelay and ADHD. 🌈 Patty has a special way of engaging with Patrick that results in him LOVING to spend time with her and he asks and looks forward to his time with her on a daily basis. ☀️ He actually gets upset when he cannot spend time with Patty who he affectionately calls “Grandma.” 🌻Patrick’s main goal of independence is encouraged by Patty whenever he is in her care. She reminds him to put his shoes away where they belong, which he has made a daily practice. She helps him with keeping a consistent schedule including knowing where items in the home are kept and what to do with his dishes after he eats. Patrick positively responds to her direction. ✅ When he becomes frustrated Patty has a special way of redirecting his energy and is able to calm him down, back to a place of joy. 🥰 She uses music and vacuums to redirect his irritation and will continue until he is laughing again. 🎼 Whenever Patrick is in Patty’s care, she goes out of her way to get him to dance and exercise. She has had Patrick snapping his fingers to the beat of the music. In addition, Patrick has learned to do jumping jacks and stretch and touch his toes. These activities always make Patrick laugh. With Patrick’s behaviors being so difficult, Patty is truly one irreplaceable love in his life. ♥️ She is so much more than a respite care provider. 🙏🏽 She is truly a family member that Patrick adores and loves to visit, even when she’s not providing respite care. For her, it is not a job, it’s about bring positive values and joy to Patrick’s life. ✨🌎🙌🏽 Story submitted by Patrick’s mom.🌺 #indio #coachella #palmsprings #sanbernardino #riverside #temecula ... See more
