Kev, 15 years old, NJ

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Kev is a special young man who has Autism Spectrum Disorder and a Congenital Chromosomal Disease. He communicates using one- or two-word answers and understands both English and Spanish, but he prefers Spanish. Recently, he lost his mother after a long battle with illness, and his father is incarcerated out of state. He initially lived with his adult sister, but she realized she couldn't meet his needs, so he moved into foster care. Now, he's getting ready to start school for the first time in over a year. Despite everything he’s been through, his sweet nature has made him beloved by everyone who meets him.

Kev is a kind and resilient young man who has faced unimaginable challenges, including the loss of his mother in December and having a father who is incarcerated. Living with nonverbal autism and a congenital chromosomal condition has made communication particularly difficult for him, often leading to frustration despite his ability to express himself with one- to two-word responses. A communication device would significantly enhance Kev's ability to share his thoughts, feelings, and needs, offering him a vital tool for connection and self-expression.