Austin’s journey to a life of independence

—Austin Morehardt

Austin Morehardt greets every day with a joy and happiness that lifts everyone around him. It’s not uncommon for his former elementary school teachers to see him in the grocery store and run up to give him a hug, says his father Bruce Morehardt, of Azusa, Calif. Bruce and Austin recently shared their story with us.

Bruce describes how he felt 30 years ago when Austin, his middle child, was born with developmental special needs. Austin was diagnosed early on with several challenges, including a language learning disorder and dyslexia.

“When you have a child with special needs and you’ve not been around that, it really throws you. You’re like, ‘Wow, what do I do? I don’t even have the tools to begin to think about this,’” he recalls. “But then when you look at it through Christian Science, then you know the next step is going to be a working out. Christian Science has absolutely made a difference in the quality of Austin’s life. It’s been huge.”

When Austin was 12, he was still unable to speak in complete sentences. Then, with much prayer, an opportunity unfolded that before seemed unthinkable. He began attending a private boarding school which helped him learn to speak and overcome other significant challenges.

During those years, Austin also attended the local Christian Science Sunday School, thanks to members who would pick him up every Sunday. “We are really in debt to the people at the Hyannis, Mass. church who so lovingly took him in, helped him, and really made him feel like he was part of the family. He would not be where he is today without their support,” Bruce says.

Talking to Austin today, you would never know he had a challenge speaking. “Now, it’s hard to keep him quiet!” says Bruce as Austin laughs in agreement. He even has his own subscription to the Christian Science Quarterly Full Text edition, paid for by CherishAbility, which he reads every day. (If anything can expand a person’s vocabulary, it’s the Christian Science Pastor!)

Austin has also learned valuable job skills by attending CherishAbility’s Vocational Training Program over the past four years. He now has the skills to work in a commercial kitchen and other skills needed to be self-sufficient, including making his bed, cleaning his room, doing his laundry, and taking out the trash, and being part of a team.

Bruce and Austin both appreciate the sense of community they share with other CherishAbility families. Austin says he video-chats with at least one of his many CherishAbility friends every week. Bruce adds, “The networking of the parents is invaluable. As we go through these hurdles, like I’ve been through, we can help parents who are at the beginning of this process.”

“Having a child with special needs, you definitely grow,” Bruce reflects. “Yet, you can’t deny the presence of God. It gives you a perspective on life. They give you everything back that you give them—and more.”