An Xbox for Marcus who has autism and is finding calm in his own room while his mom is away and his dad takes on so much
Marcus, 15 years old, NJ | 4 DAYS WAITING
Wish submitted by:
NJ DCFS - Burlington CountyMarcus is a bright and imaginative kid who loves diving into the world of video games. He's currently navigating a tough situation, as his mom has relapsed after a long period of sobriety and is now seeking treatment in another state. This has led to his involvement with the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency, with his dad stepping up as his sole caretaker. Despite these challenges, Marcus remains close to his family and cherishes his alone time, using it as a way to unwind and explore new adventures in his favorite games.
When the world gets loud, Marcus needs a place to go. He has autism spectrum disorder, and quiet time on his own is how he resets and feels steady again. After a long day, the best thing for him is to be by himself for a while, away from noise and demands, until he is ready to rejoin everyone. For a long time now, he has hoped for a game console in his bedroom, specifically an Xbox, somewhere he can slip into a game he knows well and let his mind settle. It would be his own predictable, comforting routine, one that he can turn to whenever he feels himself reaching the edge. His mom is in another place, focusing on her recovery after relapsing, so home looks different right now. His dad is the one holding everything together for Marcus and his sister, and with Christmas coming, he is doing his best to cover the big things on his own. An Xbox in Marcus’s room would give him a calm retreat that truly belongs to him, along with a sense of independence and a reason to look forward to the holiday. It would be something he could count on, even as so much around him changed.
