Matt, 13 years old, IA | 1 DAY WAITING

Wish submitted by:

Matt is a bright, thoughtful individual and has spent much of their life involved with the child welfare system. From a young age, he has had to navigate challenges that most children never have to face. Despite this, he continues to show incredible resilience and strength. He has a natural curiosity about the world. When he feels supported and regulated, he excels in school and takes pride in learning. Like many youth with extensive trauma histories, he experiences significant mental health challenges and is actively working on learning emotional regulation skills. He is learning how to manage big feelings, advocate for himself, and use coping strategies instead of shutting down. This is not easy work, especially at such a young age, but he shows courage by continuing to try.

Matt would love a sensory toy for emotional regulation stimulation. Sensory items are being requested as a safe, non-injurious sensory tool that can help provide grounding input during moments of distress. These items will be used as a part of coping strategies to redirect intense sensations in a controlled and safe way, helping this youth to remain regulated and present.