Hunter

Hunter was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2. At 18 months he became very sick with the croup and his blood oxygen levels plummeted. He was hospitalized and recovered, but was not the same child. He could not talk, but loved to scream. Simple things like walking were a struggle, but he had the odd ability to fly down a flight of stairs on his belly. Screaming fits were normal and he didn’t potty train until the age of 4. He also became attached to objects. For several months, for example, he carried an orange. We’d switch it out about once every three days. We started him on a restricted wheat and dairy free diet and engaged him in intense physical, occupational and speech therapy, which included hiking in Glacier National Park.. At the end of elementary school, we decided to home school Hunter. Today and part of the Farming for the Future Academy program. His speech is still delayed, but he is no longer on a restricted diet, his behavior vastly improved and he has a keen sense of humor. Hunter loves to hike in Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness.. Hunter has; 2 sisters and several chickens. He has enjoyed working in the Academy's garden