SAN ANTONIO – A heart-wrenching incident occurred in June when a 15-year-old girl with autism was allegedly abandoned near garbage dumpsters by her mother. The mother, Natalie Rose Munno, 38, has since been arrested for this heinous act.
Victor Rubio, a father of two children with special needs, expressed his disbelief and sorrow upon hearing this news. As a parent himself, he empathizes with the pain and fear the young girl must have felt in those moments.
Victor and his wife have been deeply affected by this story, as their own son, Victor Jr., is autistic, and their younger son, Isaiah, has sensory processing disorder. The Rubios know firsthand the challenges that come with raising children with special needs.
Despite the difficulties, the Rubios find support and solace through the nonprofit organization Respite Care, which offers assistance to families with special needs children.
Respite Care’s CEO, Rebecca Helterbrand, emphasizes the importance of providing resources and support to parents in need. She acknowledges that Munno may have been overwhelmed and stressed, leading to her actions, but believes that with the right resources, the outcome could have been different.
Respite Care offers a range of services, including community respite programs, fun and educational experiences for children, and much-needed breaks for parents. These resources are provided at little to no cost, ensuring that families get the support they need.
For Victor Rubio and his family, the assistance from Respite Care has been invaluable, helping them navigate the challenges of raising children with special needs.
As we reflect on this heartbreaking incident, let us remember the importance of compassion, understanding, and support for families facing similar struggles. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children with special needs.
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