Inspiring Stories of Fashion Kids from Our Autism Special Magazine

We have had the privilege of showcasing many remarkable children in our fashion magazines. Today, we are excited to share with you a selection of their truly spectacular stories in our Autism Special and other Issues that will undoubtedly leave you inspired and uplifted. Get ready to be amazed!

Our Autism Special Issue brings together inspiring stories of remarkable children and their beautiful journeys. A heartfelt celebration of individuality, strength, and perspective, this edition invites you to embrace diversity and honor every child’s unique way of shining.

Let the pages of this special issue and few more issues ignite hope and spread awareness about the limitless potential within all of us.

1. Madeleine Miller and Her Sister- A story to be heard! How a sibling is impacted ?
2. Bodhi Bobowski has a story to be heard!
3. Colleen Elizabeth Long
4. Ezra Zissler has a story to be heard!
5. Jesus Angel Pequeño has a story to be heard !

Story of Madeleine Miller and Her Sister

Madeleine (Maddy) is a neurodiverse 13-yr old who lives in Ft. Collins, CO, where they live with their parents and younger sister and attends their neighborhood public middle school.  Maddy was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia when they were in first grade, and with autism and anxiety when they were in 4^th grade.  

Her level of autism is that which used to be called Asperger’s Syndrome, meaning their symptoms are usually milder compared to others, but it should be noted that each person on the autism spectrum experiences symptoms differently and to say that symptoms are ‘mild’ doesn’t imply that Maddy has an easier time than others on the spectrum. 

She often experiences crippling levels of anxiety, particularly in loud environments, large groups of people, and strangers.  Just like many others with ADHD and on the autism spectrum, Maddy deals with heightened sensory issues and suffers from extreme picky eating and is challenged with their emotional regulation and maturity.  Also, just like many other ADHD and autistic children, Maddy’s single hobby is videogaming.  

Despite all these challenges, Maddy is a lovely person both inside and out, very empathetic, caring, and longs to do well.  She is also very smart and highly creative.  

At the end of the day, Maddy wants to be themself, all while being accepted by everyone in their world.  

Hazel is impacted daily by having a sibling on the spectrum.  Hazel is usually on the receiving end of Maddy’s emotional regulation issues, and she is subjected to a higher level of yelling, accusations, and hostility than many children her age.  She is starting to move ahead of her big sister in terms of emotional maturity and is often confused about how and why her sister is acting a certain way.  

She is also starting to catch up with Maddy’s reading level and math comprehension, which confuses her and frustrates Maddy.  Like many children who live with an autistic sibling, Hazel is less mature than her peers and is starting to show some mild social issues, and so she sees a therapist for behavioral therapy. 

Story Of Bodhi Bobowski

Bodhi Bobowski

Bodhi Bobowski is 1.5 years old and lives in Chicago with his parents and dog, Murphy.  He’s a very social kid and enjoys hanging out with both kids and adults, as long as they are fun!  He loves music and dancing (he is constantly inventing new dance moves), slides and swings at the park, and all sorts of toys, especially balls, trucks, and trains. He also loves going to restaurants where he will inevitably make friends with the staff and other patrons, with whom he will likely offer to share his food.

Before Bodhi was born, he was diagnosed with Down syndrome.  Down syndrome occurs when there’s an extra copy of the 21st chromosome. It’s the most common genetic anomaly, and happens by chance and not as a cause of anything the parents have done.  Because of this, the parents of kids with Down syndrome often call themselves, “the Lucky Few”.  And they certainly are lucky to have such special and unique children! 

He has some of the characteristics of Down syndrome, such as cute little almond-shaped eyes, small ears and nose. He also has low muscle-tone which is the most common trait of Down syndrome.

Low muscle tone means that kids with Down syndrome are very strong because they need to use more strength for every movement. Some say it’s like walking around with lead weights – like the one you wear for an x-ray – around every part of your body all day long. They have to work extra hard to do things that come naturally to other babies, like rolling over and walking.

From a fashion perspective, Bodhi loves being comfortable and cool looking. He prefers soft textures, bold colors and prints. His absolute favorite are hoodies with bear ears – which is perfect as his nickname is Bodhi Bear!

~Chereesca Bejasa (Mom of Bodhi Bobowski (featured image))

Story of Colleen Elizabeth Long

Colleen, has been legally blind with a very rare condition known as Knobloch Syndrome since birth and now she is almost teenager! She and her brother, refer to their blindness as a different-ability. 

She has used her different-ability to help raise awareness and money for others with different-abilities.

One in particular was https://www.thenia.org which helps other students in her county so they can mainstream as much as possible through school by getting them the tools they need.

She loves to hang out with friends, dance and design clothes for her and her brother’s company. She has always liked fashion, hair and makeup. Since she cannot play the traditional sports that other kids can play and had to quit competing in gymnastics due to her reoccurring retina detachments, she found fashion and modeling as a “sport” for herself and a way to give back to her community and others in so many ways. She is learning to cook as well with her different-ability. She has been in film, local modelling and fashion shows and looks forward to more opportunities to do runway, print and film. 

Her 2023 resolution: “Not to be so hard on myself, have more fun, study hard and use my abilities to help others”  ~This Information about Colleen is collected from Shannon Long (Mom)

Story of Ezra Zissler

When Ezra was a baby, he hit each milestone early. Crawling at 5 months, walking at 9 months and talking in sentences at 15 months. Then, without warning his voice became silent. For over a year, Ezra didn’t speak. Our concern grew as time went on, which projected our family onto the path of searching for help and a diagnosis for him. 

Thus, began our journey of a series of testing, doctors’ visits and time with specialists. Around age 3, Ezra was formally diagnosed with autism. Although we were prepared for this news it was still very difficult to process. We had so many questions and concerns for Ezra’s future. While there were some uncertainties, we knew that we would be his biggest advocates and fight for every opportunity possible for him. 

When the weight of Ezra’s situation hit us, it was hard.  We didn’t know what life would be like for our son.  It certainly wouldn’t be the life we had imagined.  Would he speak again?  Would he be able to be affectionate with us?  How would others treat him?  And so many more questions.  

We began to focus on early intervention for Ezra. He was enrolled in an early childhood special education program where he received both speech therapy and occupational therapy. In addition, we sought out additional speech therapy to help strengthen these skills. We also provided as many social opportunities as possible for Ezra. We set up weekly playdates with friends and family where we could gently guide him on his communication skills. 

Soon, Ezra began to exhibit progress. Our family was brought to tears as our beautiful boy began to gain his voice back. Every small victory felt like a miracle to us. Over time, Ezra has been able to share his thoughts, his hopes and his dreams. His sweet, gentle nature touches the lives of everyone he meets. 

Today, Ezra wakes up excited to take on the world. He has a genuine desire to love and care for others. He also has a natural ability to make others laugh and his four brothers think his sense of humor is the funniest. Ezra adores animals, playing piano and swimming. School is Ezra’s most favorite activity and in his eyes each classmate is a friend. 

While we know each stage of life will come with new challenges we also know that Ezra is capable. He has already moved so many mountains to get to where he is today. We will continue to fight for him to have a place and a voice. Ezra has made us slow down and appreciate the little moments that life has given us. He makes us see the world different, better. And for that, we are better too. We are thankful for the light that is Ezra. 

~ Mom of Ezra Zissler(featured)

Story of Jesus Angel Pequeño

A baby warrior and a survivor! Has made it through so much! This baby managed to come into this world despite all the struggles sent his way, despite the doctors’ diagnoses and prognoses, God was with him all the way.

Real life battles: Jesus has survived 3 surgeries the first 3 months of life, the hospital NICU was his home. After each surgery, like nothing he bounced back up. At one day of life, he had major back repair surgery due to spina bifida, within his first month of life his second surgery (head surgery to help with hydrocephalus- a VP shunt was put in place), and prior to release from hospital a stomach surgery as precautionary measure for possible aspiration.

Then another 4 surgeries just a year later August 2022 and again, the next morning as his mother was prepared for painful crying, and lots of meds and sleepless nights; instead, he was up with a smile on his face like nothing ever happened. Ready to take on
his little world!

Jesus Angel is a warrior baby. A resilient strong soldier of God!
He is here against all odds for a reason and a purpose! Nothing is holding him back and he will do what he was meant to do. Mommy’s little love is now counting, singing and sword playing every chance he gets with pens, straws and now little light savers 🙂! ~ Mom of Jesus Angel (featured model)

Embrace the joy and wonder of children’s fashion as we explore the latest trends and showcase the cutest ensembles. Let your imagination soar and get ready for a journey filled with color, creativity, and a sprinkle of whimsy.

Make sure to join our ever-growing Instagram community, where we unveil daily fashion trends that are sure to elevate your style game. Get ready to indulge in a world of fashion, creativity, and endless possibilities!

Happy reading!