GAZELLE MAGAZINE APRIL 2017 | Page 89

WOMEN WHO INSPIRE
– which almost appeared as if he were daydreaming . At times , the medications caused aggressive behavior .
“ He was in his pre-teens before we really got the right combination of medications ,” Alt said .
At first , he attended mainstream school in a self-contained classroom . Then Alt heard about a school in O ’ Fallon , Missouri - the Center for Autism Education , founded by Amy Dauie , who had previously worked with autistic children . That made a big difference . “ It was a dream come true ,” she said . “ We wanted a good program where our child could be happy , and then it happened .”
By then , Andrew had a little sister , two years his junior . Elizabeth spoke early , but the Alts taught her sign language too , and she was very caring and nurturing toward Andrew .
Alt made the decision to go back to work after both children were in school , starting part-time , transitioning to full-time , and eventually , moving to Magellan Health , Inc ., where she works in marketing and public relations today .
The Center for Autism continues to provide services for Andrew on weekdays , when he participates in the adult day program .
“ He loves it ,” Alt said . “ They do volunteer projects around the community , which might be wiping down tables , folding napkins or wrapping silverware .”
Two years ago , Andrew moved into a group home in Wentzville , through Emmaus Homes Inc . where he has one-on-one support .
The Alts moved to Wright City to be closer to where he lives , so they can take him out and visit on a regular basis .
“ He loves to laugh . He is more fluent and open to sign language – now signing in complete sentences ,” Alt said . “ He is very smart and has always had a large receptive vocabulary .”
At first , the Alts were told not to visit , giving him time to transition . When his 21st birthday came along , they took him to dinner , he opened presents , and they were afraid he would cry when they left . But he didn ’ t .
“ He waved goodbye , and we cried tears of joy ,” Alt said . “ He knew it was time . And that ’ s what we all want - to see our children grow into independent adults .”
Elizabeth is now 21 and attends Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla .
Somewhere along the way , Alt and a friend took a pioneer soapmaking class , and now operate Old Mountain Soap Co . ( oldmountainsoap . com ), originally looking for something to get rid of chiggers and mosquitoes . The therapeutic soap comes in especially handy for the Alt family , whose passion is camping and hiking in nature .
“ We started out with a fifth wheel camper , then a popup , and moved up to a travel trailer ,” she said . “ We raised the kids camping and hiking . We all love it .”
The Alts are also involved in fundraising and increasing awareness of autism . The Center for Autism has a yearly trivia night , as well as an annual golf tournament , as does Emmaus Homes . Alt ’ s bottom line ? “ When you know something is wrong , you have to keep at it . You are your child ’ s advocate ,” she said . “ Sure , it can wear you down , but fortunately , my husband and I are good partners . If not one - then both of us - were always there .”
Top : Diane Alt and her husband , Richard , with their son , Andrew , at his graduation from the Center for Autism Education . Bottom : Diane Alt and her family – husband , Richard , son , Andrew , and daughter , Elizabeth .
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