The Newton family doesn't let anything slow them down. Even autism.

"Children change with age, and so does autism," says Julie Newton, mother of three. "I'm thankful God has given us the patience to handle what comes our way with a smile."

Julie and Rusty Newton have three children: Alex and Jacob are seven-year-old twins with autism, and their four-year-old brother, Mason, is a typically developing child. While parenting always brings with it challenges, obstacles often are magnified for families of children with developmental and behavioral disabilities. Those obstacles brought Siskin Children's Institute into the Newton's life.

Alex and Jacob were referred to the Institute for family training and support services when they were diagnosed several years ago. Soon after they enrolled in Siskin Early Learning Center-Downtown, where a team of special educators and therapists provided much-needed early intervention services. The boys learned and played side-by-side with typically developing children in an environment that celebrates the abilities of all children.

The boys' parents received education as well. The Institute's Outreach and Resource Center offered family workshops, support groups and a 6,000-item resource library, all free of charge to the family. "The support we received was amazing," Julie says.

Soon it was time to graduate from the learning center, and the boys transitioned to a local public school. But the Newtons stay connected to the Institute, now as patients of the new Siskin Children's Institute-T.C. Thompson Children's Hospital Center for Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics.

"I can't tell you the relief I felt when someone looked at those boys and knew what was going on," Julie says. "Dr. Gargus has helped us through some of the new challenges we've faced as the boys continue to grow and develop."

Although their school environment can be stressful and every day brings with it new challenges, Alex and Jacob show amazing strengths intellectually and artistically. Alex plays music by ear, Jacob has a beautiful singing voice and both boys read far beyond their grade level. The boys are popular and endear themselves to everyone they meet through their loving and vivacious personalitites.

"They are awesome children, both in spite of and because of autism," Julie says. "Look how lucky we are."

 Watch a video about Alex and Jacob Newton.

 Alex and Jacob Newton play in the children's library
at Siskin Early Learning Center-Downtown.

 Alex and Jacob now see Dr. Regina Gargus in the
Center for Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics.
Their brother Mason plays along in one of
the center's therapy rooms, which are
decorated unlike a typical medical office's.