Thanks Christine,

I cannot begin to thank Christine Bibelheimer enough for the tremendous role she played in the development of my son Matthew.  Matthew was diagnosed with PDD/ Autism when he was three years old.  I began working with Christine shortly after that, and she was involved with Matthew for three years in various capacities before he started in Kindergarten in an autistic support classroom in our school district. 

Anyone who has a child with special needs knows the tremendous stress and anxiety that you feel to quickly route your child to the best programs available.   Time is of the essence and you want everyone to work with your child with the same sense of passion and urgency to address their needs that you have.   The entire time that Christine spent with Matthew I always felt that she was entirely committed to his success. 

 Over the years, Christine continually adapted her strategies with Matthew to appropriately correspond to his needs and abilities at the time.  Our program was never static and she always arrived with energy, enthusiasm, and a well thought-out plan.  She was never discouraged at set-backs that would sometimes occur, but would devise and implement effective strategies to address any undesirable behaviors which might arise.   She was a great personal support to me as well with her positive attitude and compassionate demeanor.    Matthew loved her for her energy, sense of humor, and kindness.

 In addition to the time that she spent with Matthew  in our home, Christine did a tremendous job of training and working with several shadows who ultimately accompanied Matthew to a typical pre-school program.  She conducted herself with the highest level of professionalism and earned the respect of the educators that she interacted with in Matthew’s school.  She had a wonderful way of being assertive with her protocol for Matthew while in the classroom, without being intrusive or disrespectful to other educators.    Teachers in other classrooms would often stop her in the hall and ask her for tips on working with some children they had in their classrooms!   Her efforts made it possible for him to have two very successful years in a typical pre-school classroom.

In addition to all of the above, Christine was Matthew’s undying advocate - always acting on his behalf and appropriately and professionally representing his needs in various venues.  I always felt that she truly had Matthew’s best interest at heart – sometimes simply by the way her face would light up when she would see him.   

Like most parents with children with special needs, I am not a person who is easy to please.   I, like other parents, am desperate to ensure that my child has the best chance at a normal life.  The window in which you can make your most effective impact on a child with autism is small – and continually closing.  There is no time to waste on therapists, teachers, etc. who do not have the level of optimism, tenacity, and determination to educate your child which is tantamount to yours.   I am forever grateful to Christine Bibelheimer for being that special person for Matthew!

Ellen, Mom of Matthew