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The Student with the Big Smile

One Family's Path To Heartspring

TJ is a friendly guy. He has one of those smiles that are contagious and is the first to ask if someone is doing alright. He loves being social, laughing, watching the news on his iPad and going for walks with his staff. He’s a pretty fun person to be around.

“TJ has the greatest sense of humor,” Alana, his mother said. “When he finds something funny, he goes into these giggle fits... he loves to laugh.”

Due to his extreme sociability, it was a battle to get an autism diagnosis for TJ. It took 10 years, but TJ finally received his diagnosis. He is a great reminder of the fact that autism does not look the same in everyone.

After achieving that goal, TJ’s family knew they still needed help. In early 2020, they really began looking for residential placements for their son. The family was very thorough and started the application process for four different schools. But after their tour of Heartspring, they knew Heartspring was where TJ needed to be.

“I left in tears because it was perfect for him,” Alana said.

Now, his positive energy and big smile are a regular sight in the halls of Heartspring. He spends his days in the classroom in academic ventures and his afternoons and evenings in his group home where he learns important life and social skills. The consistency of care is a huge benefit for TJ. Additionally, he has a whole team of people dedicated to his well-being from teachers to therapists to home coordinators.

“I feel like having the 24-hour care there and the team all over the place all the time is what he needed.,” Alana said.