This is Gavin. He is a 12-year-old living with moderate-severe autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, and mixed receptive and expressive language disorder. Gavin was diagnosed when he was just 3 years old.

Gavin has limited verbal communication, behavioral challenges, and extreme sensory needs. We have tried various therapies and interventions, but Gavin still struggles in his daily life.

Gavin likes lots of deep pressure hugs and kisses, so I (Gavin’s mom) spend most of the day helping meet his sensory needs so that he can keep his body calm and safe. Things like going to the store, the doctor, the dentist, the park, even just a car ride can be extremely challenging for us, and most times impossible because of the anxiety Gavin has going out into the community. Because of the autism, Gavin has a huge lack of safety awareness. There have been times where he has wandered.