Hannah Smith - Aspen’s Mother

“Aspen Grace Lasher is a beautiful four-year-old girl from Lake Charles, LA. She was born with Noonan Syndrome and has been diagnosed with Autism as well. Both of which are described as being a spectrum in the ways it can affect each individual.

In Aspen’s case, living with Autism has intensified some of

the issues that come with Noonan Syndrome.

On the behavioral side, there are feeding and speech difficulties, attention difficulties, extreme developmental delays, sensory aversions, sensory seeking and need for pattern/routine.

On the medical side, it comes with vision and hearing

impairment and possible loss, heart conditions, low muscle tone, pectus excavatum, kidney abnormalities, lymphatic conditions, blood problems, asthma, and many more. Aspen has been diagnosed with pulmonary valve stenosis.

Despite the many setbacks that come with both diagnoses, Aspen has the sweetest disposition and enjoys the same activities as her peers even if at times it may look a little different. She likes to play with bubbles, chalk, water, and her agility steps outside in the yard as much as possible. She likes to “play teacher” with her stuffed dolls. She is currently going through a phase where she is obsessed with flash cards. She does her numbers, alphabet, colors, and shapes. She is brave, resilient and at times very sassy. She is full of energy, so she likes to keep herself busy.

When I think about the progress Aspen has made over her life (or even the last year), I am brought to tears. I know that her life will continue to have many obstacles, but I am confident that her and I will tackle them with grace. She is my inspiration on so many levels. I know without a doubt that she was meant just for me, and I couldn’t be more grateful to be her mother.”