boy smiles

Oliver B, age 9

Photograph by Michele Hutchinson (2025)

Oliver, whose nickname is Ollie, is a thoughtful, curious, and fun-loving child who brings warmth and laughter to everyone around him. His journey has been shaped by love, resilience, and an unbreakable spirit. He thrives at a charter school in Beaufort, where he has formed meaningful friendships and discovered a passion for swimming.

Moving to Beaufort in 2021 was a major transition for Ollie and his family. Adjusting to a new environment with fewer resources and added accessibility challenges was not easy, but his ability to adapt and grow has been inspiring. Their world changed even more unexpectedly when his father, Alex, passed away. Through all of life’s challenges, Ollie’s strength, humor, and loving nature have been a source of light.

Ollie has a way of making every moment special. Whether picking out the perfect gift for a loved one, making friends laugh with his silliness, or exploring new places, his joy is infectious. He loves swimming, searching for shark teeth on the beach, playing video games, and traveling—his absolute favorite thing to do. His natural curiosity keeps him engaged with the world around him, and his loyalty and kindness make him an incredible friend.

When Ollie started kindergarten, his family noticed that he experienced the world a little differently. After seeking guidance and support, he was diagnosed with autism, which helped his family better understand and embrace his unique strengths and traits. Since then, he has grown tremendously—emotionally, physically, and mentally—becoming more confident in himself and his abilities. One of his family’s proudest moments was seeing him receive multiple Core Value Awards at school, recognizing his character and contributions to his school community.

Ollie has changed his family’s world in the most beautiful ways. He reminds them to love more freely, embrace the unexpected, and find joy in the little things. To them, he embodies the best parts of life wrapped up in one incredible child. His future is bright, and no matter where life takes him, he will continue in his own unique way—just as he always has.

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Family Connection of South Carolina provides services and resources to families who have a child with a disability or specialized healthcare need. Since 1990 we have served more than 100,000 families and today our services are needed more than ever. We focus on parent-to-parent support, guidance with navigating the complex healthcare system, and assistance with school meetings and special education plans.