We would like to introduce you to our son Kurtie Merkendorfer. So many things come to mind… where do we start. Kurtie is our 13 year old son who has autism. People throughout the years have asked how did you know that he was autistic or when did you figure it all out? To be honest – our family is continually learning and trying to figure it all out. We have always said that autism is as much a blessing in our lives, as it is a cruel trick. We had this beautiful baby, perfect in every way, all ten fingers and toes and then around the age of two you begin to wonder – is there something different about my child? My precious son – my perfect baby! We had no idea, at that time, the impact that this would have on our lives. It was completely overwhelming that we would be entrusted to care for this wonderful child – and all the time wonder how different his life would be – how different our lifes would be.
Like all typical toddlers, Kurtie had his first few words around the age of two, however, they quickly disappeared around the time that we started having many questions about his development, and we have not heard any more words since. This doesn’t mean that there is no attempt to communicate vocally, and he has actually developed some newer sounds. He can whistle and makes a “tweety” sound when he is happy and when he is mad – well, you definitely know it! He gives you a BAHAHAHAHAH loud and clear! He has also learned to communicate with us through pictures and over the past two years, has used a device called a Dynamite. Just recently, over the past year, the Dynamite has been updated to an advanced model called a Mini-Mo. Giving Kurtie the ability to communicate with the use of this device, has really given us the unbelievable gift of getting to know his personality and wonderful sense of humor.
Kurtie has a very loving relationship with us, as well as his extended family. He is not an autistic child that rocks in the corner and has little emotional connection with others. He craves hugs from the people he loves in his life, has an incredible sense of smell and loves to swim! He enjoys being involved in activities through a special needs program at our local park district and also attends a camp in the summer through his developmental pediatrician.

Unfortunately, as Kurtie has gotten older, we are facing more and more difficult challenges. Although we strive to keep Kurtie as independent as possible, he still needs a great deal of help with his personal hygiene, dressing himself and many other basic functions that we all perform daily without a second thought. One of the major struggles we are facing right now with Kurite’s autism is his seizure disorder. His seizures were initially somewhat mild, but as time has passed they have progressed to what is known as “Grand Mal” seizures. The doctors are attempting to control these seizures through medication with little success. In the past year, Kurtie has been taken via ambulance to the hospital at least once monthly. On many of these occasions, his seizures are so severe, that his breathing is interrupted and he is placed on life support. These trips usually also result in an overnight stay at the hospital for the family, as he cannot be left alone.Our hopes and dreams for Kurtie have always been – God let us live one day longer than him. It seems impossible to bear the thought of not being in this world to care for him. Realistically, we most likely will not be here for his later stages of life. So… we pray that he is able to live with an incredible amount of dignity and happiness in a caring and loving group home, that he is able to enjoy all of the wonderful things that this world has to offer – and that he always keeps that beautiful smile!
On behalf of our son, Kurtie, we would like to personally thank everyone involved in this event for the support that you are giving to our family. Your kindness and generosity are truly overwhelming.
Love,
Kurt, Sandy, Kurtie & Zach Merkendorfer