There is a growing body of research documenting the positive impact early intervention has on the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum. The research spans over 25 years of practice and has demonstrated improvements in IQ, language, adaptive behavior, social communication, cognitive and daily living skills (Dawson, Rogers, Munson et. al., 2010; Eldevik, Hastings, Hughes et al., 2009; Reichow, Barton, Boyd, & Odom, 2012; Smith, Goen, & Wynn, 2000; Landa, Holman, O’Neil, & Stuart, 2011; Rogers & Vismara, 2008; Zwaigenbaum et. al., 2015). Empirical research clearly supports early intervention and its positive impact upon the development of individuals on the autism spectrum. However, the research studies do not tell the whole story, nor do they convey the changing impact early intervention has on these individuals and its long-lasting benefits. Kyle Woodland was diagnosed at age 2 ½ with pervasive developmental disorder which we would now refer to as an autism spectrum disorder. Below is Kyle’s story, in his own voice.
Kyle Woodland
Kyle’s Story
My parents said I was a happy, enthusiastic child. I enjoyed music and wanted to hear my favorite songs repeatedly. But I also had my struggles. My fine motor skills weren’t great, and I had a lot of trouble putting my socks on. While I made a lot of noises, nobody could understand me. When I was two-and-a-half years old, I was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Although I am not a fan of labels, it was through this diagnosis that I was able to gain access to the services that helped me with my later success.
This is when I was introduced to Elwyn. I received early intervention services at one of their Philadelphia locations three times a week. One of my earliest memories is racing up a long flight of stairs to the second floor, where there was a very large playroom. While I was there, I received speech therapy, occupational therapy, and play therapy from the staff. In fact, I still remember their names: Celia, Gail and Cara. They were all very nice and helpful and I had a lot of fun – so much so that I didn’t even know I was getting “intervention” services!
Outside of Elwyn, My Challenges Continued
I can remember going to see a specialist when I was between 4 and 5 years old and overhearing him tell my parents “Not to expect much out of me.” My speech developed slowly, I struggled with reading, and I felt different. Kids can be cruel, and it was hard to make friends — to fit in. With Elwyn’s support, I continued to progress throughout my school-aged years.
Some people say it’s NOT how you start, but how you finish. In the case of children with differences and the need for early intervention, it IS HOW YOU START. Early diagnosis and early intervention services ARE THE KEY. I got a lot of help, but just as important – my parents received a lot of help as well. They learned how to support me at home. It was a family learning experience. This was essential in my development.
I read the dictionary obsessively to improve my reading and writing, and by fifth grade, I was reading at a twelfth-grade level. Not only did I initially struggle academically, but I also had problems with fine and gross motor skills. Through physical and occupational therapy, I went from not being able to juggle a soccer ball to playing at an elite level. In the fifth grade I was in the PA State Cup finals. Eventually I would play semi-pro soccer for Philadelphia Lone Stars and Torch FC.
I’ve been in school plays, participated in high school sports, been in commercials, magazines, print advertisements; and billboards representing international brands such as Nike, Under Armour, Adidas, Calvin Klein, Hennessy and Macy’s. I participated in several New York Fashion Week shows as a model. I was in the movie “Hustle” with Adam Sandler and appeared in several music videos along with Jay Balvin and other artists.
Now I am an entrepreneur with my own entertainment production company focusing on producing fashion shows. My goal is to increase the inclusion of neurodiverse individuals and creatives in the entertainment industry. Part of those efforts include facilitating neurodiversity workshops and training. With success, I have had the opportunity to be an advocate for neurodiversity, and to give back to the organizations that have given so much to me.
Honestly, I don’t know how I would have progressed if I had not had those early services. I am grateful to Ceilia, Gail and Cara – who devoted time and expertise to work with me. I am grateful that my parents were always attentive and responsive to helping me along the way.
Kyle is a shining example of the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. After learning foundational skills, he exceeded the lowered expectations that people foisted upon him because of his diagnosis. He and his parents’ perseverance and resilience in his early years lead to his future success. He has achieved more than he and his parents ever dreamed of. The evidence of long-term gains for children on the autism spectrum are across several domains including cognition & IQ, language & communication, adaptive behavior & social skills, ASD symptom severity, and the diagnosis rate (Copland, j. & Jawad, 2005; Dawson, Rogers, Munson, et al., 2010; Estes, Munson, Rogers, Greenson, Winter, & Dawson, 2015; Kasari, Baker, Brunetto, et al., 2024; Lovaas, 1993; Makryanni & Reed, 2010; Rivard, Terroux, Parent-Boursier, & Mercer, 2014;). In fact, infant intervention groups were 66% less likely to meet ASD criteria at age 3 (Green, J., 2021). “Core symptom improvements became more pronounced over time underscoring persistent and even delayed benefits” (Estes, et al., 2015). Providing access to these services is increasingly more difficult since there is a national shortage of early intervention professionals, especially speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists and special education teachers for this age group. Early intervention makes a difference in the lives of children with ASDs that last a lifetime. The challenge is to attract a new generation of professionals to this field.
Ernst VanBergeijk, PhD, MSW, is Senior Director, Local Education Agency, Early Learning Services at Elwyn. Elwyn has been serving the I/DD population since 1852 and operates in 8 states, with Early Learning Services supporting over 11,000 pre-school children in Philadelphia and the City of Chester, PA. For more information, email Ernst.VanBergeijk@elwyn.org or visit www.elwyn.org.
Kyle Woodland is a neurodiversity advocate, creative producer, and model. He is the founder of KWS Productions, through which he has produced major events including Main Line Fashion Week, Delco Fashion Week, and New York Fashion Week, with a focus on inclusive representation on the runway. Learn more at www.kwsproductions.com or follow on Instagram at @thekwshow_ and @kyle_woodland_.
References
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