Hi, my name is Amanda… but this isn’t really about me.

I’m here because of a little boy named Hudson — one of the sweetest, most gentle souls you could ever meet. Hudson attends dayhome with my daughter, and getting to see him in his world, even in small moments, has made something very clear: he deserves so much more support than what’s currently available to him.

Hudson is 6-year-old non-verbal child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) He experiences the world differently, and while that comes with its own kind of beauty, it also means he needs specialized care, constant supervision, communication support, and an educational environment designed for children just like him.

He is an elopement risk and has very limited awareness of danger, which makes daily life challenging and, at times, overwhelming for their family.

Although he is nonverbal, he is incredibly intelligent and has been identified as hyperlexic. He has a strong ability to recognize and understand written words, and he uses a communication device to help express himself. With the right support and environment, he has so much potential to learn and grow.

This year, Hudson started kindergarten — and he has been thriving. With the right support, he’s shown just how capable, curious, and full of potential he truly is. Now, as he prepares for Grade 1, his family is trying to continue that progress and place him in a school that can meet his needs.

The heartbreaking reality is that those options are incredibly limited. In a city of over 1.7 million people, there are only a handful of schools equipped to support children like Hudson — and the few that do exist come with overwhelming tuition costs $19,000 or years-long waitlists.

Hudson’s family is doing everything they can to advocate for him and secure the right placement, but they shouldn’t have to do it alone.

While I wish I could change the system for every child who needs specialized support, I know I can start by helping one. Hudson.

Your support will go directly toward accessing specialized education, therapies, and resources that will help Hudson continue to grow, communicate, and thrive. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps open a door that might otherwise remain closed.

Access to the right educational environment would provide him with the structure, support, and specialized care he needs to continue developing communication skills, build on his strengths, and improve his safety awareness.

If you’re not in a position to donate, sharing this would mean just as much.

Hudson is full of potential, joy, and quiet strength — he just needs the right environment to keep shining.

Thank you for taking the time to read his story and for being part of something that can truly change his life.