I am an educational advocate for a 15-year-old, selectively verbal young man on the autism spectrum. He has some aggressive behaviors, elopes, disrobes, and spits instead of communicating his wants or needs. His mother is alone caring for his needs.

He has grown into a teenage young man without receiving the behavioral assistance that is necessary for his educational and social growth. His mother is having a difficult time managing his aggression and has had to rely on Baker Act commitments to ensure their safety.

Although he qualifies for respite and one-on-one BCBA support, these services have never been available for him. He has several attorneys and advocates who are working to obtain the services he needs, and he still remains unserved in the community.

His mother lost all of her familial support several years ago when her father and her grandmother passed away within six months of each other. She has been unable to maintain employment due to the severity of her son's needs and the lack of community support. Because she isn't employed, she doesn't have transportation and is barely able to remain housed.

If you can share five or ten dollars, it may make the difference between this child staying housed with meals or having clothes that fit his rapidly changing body. Anything you can give will be appreciated.