Bellview Steven was just 3 days old when he was chosen to be adopted into the loving home of Ken and Dottie Roberts.
Dottie always dreamed of having a lot of children, but after having a daughter she felt she may not be able to bear additional babies. However, Ken and Dottie believed God was working in their lives, and the couple had the faith to believe their prayers would be answered.
An opportunity was presented to the Roberts in 1985 to adopt a baby who was having difficulty finding a home due to being bi-racial. After the paperwork and process to adopt the child was complete, the boy went home with a happy Ken and Dottie.
At first, Dottie thought Steven would be an early speaker, as he was alert and trying to form words. However, things took a turn for the worse, and issues began to become more apparent as time went on.
“After receiving a series of childhood shots Steven spiked a really high fever and ended up in the hospital. I noticed he was loosing eye contact and his speech started to slow down,” Dottie said.
Doctors gave potential reasons for the changes in her son’s development, but not a true diagnosis.
In 1987, the Roberts lived in LaBelle, Fla., where there weren’t many programs around to assist Steven. Dottie started a group in her church so Steven could interact with other children and it did help some.
 |
As time went on, Dottie placed Steven into a more structured program. She did her own research and discovered that Steven appeared to have symptoms of autism.
According to the Mayo Clinic, autism spectrum disorder is a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication. The disorder also includes limited and repetitive patterns of behavior. The term “spectrum” refers to a wide range of symptoms and severity.
Steven had additional tests, and the diagnosis of autism was confirmed at age 9. Today, he is at the academic level of a 5 year old.
At the same time, Dottie said Steven has “a big heart” and enjoys programs that bring out his personality and creativity. He participates in such programs at Lifespan Andrews Creative Campus in Marble and looks forward to sessions he shares with his peers.
He is one of about 12 other students who enjoy playing the bucket drums, cooking, singing and putting on puppet shows. The group displays their creativity and talents to entertain shut-ins as well as those at nursing homes and in church.
Before the holidays, they packed gift shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child to send to children around the world.
Other members at Lifespan who Steven enjoys interacting with include Kathy Grubb of Andrews.
“They make me feel good,” Kathy said. “I like the puppets and Mrs. Dottie.”
Justin Sprinkle likes the puppetry and helping out with the cooking class, saying, “I really love the pancakes.”
Then there’s Jimmy V. of Robbinsville, who makes sure grace is said before any eating commences.
Ken and Dottie look for the strengths in Steven and finds those teachable moments that can help him feel successful. He loves music, so they provide him with these types of sensory activities.
Regardless off his challenges, or maybe because of them, they are proud of their son.
“Steven’s got an infectious smile and a hug that melts people’s hearts,” Dottie said. “He has touched so many lives, including those within our church. A hug from him feels like it’s coming from an angel.”
Details about Lifespan Creative Campus: Call 828-557-0975 or 704-944-5100.