Andy Robinson

What makes Andy Xtraordinary to you?

This is Andy. He is 10 years old. We got Andy’s test results and learned of Andy’s Fragile X diagnosis at 10 days old when he was hospitalized for having a fever. We were able to start evaluations and therapies at a very early age. Andy has always been a more difficult child. His behaviors have always been more difficult to deal with than our experience with Wyatt. Andy really started thriving when he started going to preschool in our local school district. He was so loved by the staff who worked with him … and the transportation staff has been amazing since day one.

At age 4, Andy had a severe seizure one morning. It was terrifying! He was airlifted to the closest children’s hospital where they ran tests and diagnosed him with epilepsy, something common in a small percent of Fragile X children. This was a really scary thing to have to adjust to. He had one other seizure at school a few months later but hasn’t had one since. We are so blessed that his seizure medication has always done its job. He continues to carry this diagnosis because his EEGs still show irregular activity in his brain. Andy struggles with speech, hyperactivity, negative impulse behavior, and sensory issues that make many “normal” daily activities very difficult for him. But … he can also be the sweetest, funniest kid. He loves to talk about his day and gets so excited when we have special trips or activities planned! Swimming! Bike rides! Camping! Lake trips! Jumping on the trampoline! The park! Hiking! Hotel stays … with a pool!!! Swimming!!! Off-roading in our side-by-side! Swimming!!! Swimming!!! This kid LOVES to be outdoors and busy!!! And did I say he likes to swim!?! Andy is very friendly … but can be a little reserved depending on his mood. Andy LOVES TO TEASE and make people laugh. He has THE BEST laugh!! When Andy is happy … it is the best!!! He forms relationships with people at school and on the school buses by coming up with inside jokes and funny nicknames for them. He is very well known by the whole transportation department in our school district . In the last couple of years, Andy transitioned from a regular elementary school to a private school for autistic children. This has been such a blessing in his life and our family’s lives. With the help of a caring pediatrician and a school capable of meeting his needs, life has just gotten a little bit better for everyone. Andy LOVES MUSIC Besides swimming … there is not much else that can make Andy smile more than his favorite songs. He sings and dances, and those moments are some of the happiest moments of his day!! Andy loves his family and is the best at greeting family members when he sees them. Whether it’s one of us arriving home from work, someone coming to our home, or when we arrive at a grandparent’s or family member’s home … he loves to greet you. Andy has recently been diagnosed with autism as well. This wasn’t a surprise and was mostly necessary to have on his medical records. But we knew it was the case. Andy isn’t as quiet about his struggles as his brother Wyatt. He’s actually not quiet at all about when he’s not happy with a situation … even if he doesn’t know what exactly he’s feeling, or why he’s feeling that way. Andy will let you know if he’s not OK with a situation. It is hard to watch him struggle with the feelings he doesn’t understand and trying to figure out how to express those feelings. We constantly have to keep our guard up, not knowing what will trigger him or when he will be triggered. We love Andy so much and would not trade him for anything. He has taught us soooooo much … and continues to teach us every day. We don’t know what the future hold for our Andy-boo … but we know he will continue to fight his inward battles and we will continue to try to help him the best we can!!

Special Facts:

Andy loves Sandwiches and Hot Cheetos. Loves swimming and any outdoor activities.