Benjamin has always been unique, loving, and very strong willed. But while other children his age were learning to use words, Benjamin remained nonverbal. He had repetitive play behavior and acted very rigid to changes in the environment. He would flap his arms when he was happy, but would hit his head when he was frustrated. Benjamin had difficulties with ‎daily activities and was preoccupied with specific interests.

On July 22, 2014, when Benjamin was 2-½ years old, he was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. “At Nationwide Children’s Hospital through the Center of Autism Spectrum Disorders we were introduced to a pathway to recovery through applied behavior analysis (ABA). We believe autism will never define who Benjamin is; he will persevere,” says Benjamin’s dad, Jonathan.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a group of neurologically based developmental conditions that are characterized by delays in three areas: language and communication, socialization, and repetitive and ritualistic behaviors. The Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders and the Child Development Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care focusing on evidence-based treatment, education, research and advocacy for children with the diagnosis of an ASD. Our mission is to provide assistance to every child and family affected by ASD who is in need.

“Nationwide Children’s Hospital Center of Autism Spectrum Disorders has helped Benjamin make significant improvements in his life. Since his diagnosis, they have provided intensive behavioral therapy. We will be forever grateful for all the amazing professional, therapeutic support we have received since Benjamin has become a clinic client. He has made tremendous progress in the cognitive, social-emotional, and communication domains. Benjamin’s team at the Center of Autism Spectrum Disorders has been instrumental in assisting Benjamin in achieving his goals,” says Benjamin’s mom, Kirsten.

Benjamin is filled with determination and a love for life. He loves trains, planes, and Mickey Mouse. He gives magnificent concerts with his play guitar and builds wonderful creations with his Lego sets.  And he loves spending time outside.

Benjamin has learned a lot about working hard to achieve goals. He is super excited about being a Patient Champion for the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon so that he can cheer on the participants who pass through his mile and help them achieve their goals too.

https://flutter.nationwidechildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/benjamin1000.jpeg

https://flutter.nationwidechildrens.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Benjamin-Harbertsx300.jpeg

• Name: Benjamin H.Benjamin Harberts
• Condition(s): Autism
• Age at Treatment: 2
• Age Today: 01/25/201212 Years

Benjamin has always been unique, loving, and very strong willed. But while other children his age were learning to use words, Benjamin remained nonverbal. He had repetitive play behavior and acted very rigid to changes in the environment. He would flap his arms when he was happy, but would hit his head when he was frustrated. Benjamin had difficulties with ‎daily activities and was preoccupied with specific interests.

On July 22, 2014, when Benjamin was 2-½ years old, he was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. “At Nationwide Children’s Hospital through the Center of Autism Spectrum Disorders we were introduced to a pathway to recovery through applied behavior analysis (ABA). We believe autism will never define who Benjamin is; he will persevere,” says Benjamin’s dad, Jonathan.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a group of neurologically based developmental conditions that are characterized by delays in three areas: language and communication, socialization, and repetitive and ritualistic behaviors. The Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders and the Child Development Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care focusing on evidence-based treatment, education, research and advocacy for children with the diagnosis of an ASD. Our mission is to provide assistance to every child and family affected by ASD who is in need.

“Nationwide Children’s Hospital Center of Autism Spectrum Disorders has helped Benjamin make significant improvements in his life. Since his diagnosis, they have provided intensive behavioral therapy. We will be forever grateful for all the amazing professional, therapeutic support we have received since Benjamin has become a clinic client. He has made tremendous progress in the cognitive, social-emotional, and communication domains. Benjamin’s team at the Center of Autism Spectrum Disorders has been instrumental in assisting Benjamin in achieving his goals,” says Benjamin’s mom, Kirsten.

Benjamin is filled with determination and a love for life. He loves trains, planes, and Mickey Mouse. He gives magnificent concerts with his play guitar and builds wonderful creations with his Lego sets.  And he loves spending time outside.

Benjamin has learned a lot about working hard to achieve goals. He is super excited about being a Patient Champion for the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon so that he can cheer on the participants who pass through his mile and help them achieve their goals too.