When David Withrow was adopted at 9 1⁄2 years old, his new parents were told he had severe autism, a severe intellectual disability, profound hearing loss and that he would not be able to communicate. He didn’t acknowledge other people existed. He didn’t process spoken language.
Because he couldn’t communicate, he was aggressive. Without glasses, he is legally blind. David was born premature at 23 weeks and was only 1.
9 pounds. When Bridget and Jim Withrow, of New Lenox, adopted David, he had nearly 10 years without access to sight, sounds or language, they said. While they were told he had severe autism and intellectual disabilities, they say he was misdiagnosed, although he does have a mild intellectual disability.
They began aural habilitation therapy to help him use a cochlear implant. They had to demonstrate basic activities. As he learned to communicate, his aggression began to ease, but it took time and patience, they said.
“He basically had zero background knowledge coming to us,” Bridget Withrow said. “But he was a sponge. He took everything in.
He was eager to learn and very curious about the world.” David Withrow with his parents, Bridget and Jim Withrow. (Michelle Mullins/for the Daily Southtown) During the pandemic, when few activities were available, the Withrows found a horse farm in the village of Manhattan where he could participate in a safe, fun, outdoor activity.
When he outgrew that farm, they transferred to the Holistic Riding Equestrian .
