three children run down a board walk

Henry M, age 7

Photograph by Erin Chrisman (2025)

Henry Mayfield radiates warmth and charm. He is extremely loving, silly, and caring, always making sure those around him feel valued for who they are. “Henry strives to make people know they are loved and appreciated for their differences,” his mom shares proudly. His kindhearted nature is contagious, inspiring everyone to embrace kindness and celebrate what makes them unique.

Getting to where he is today has not been easy. Diagnosed with autism, Henry’s journey began with challenges, especially since his symptoms did not fit the “typical” mold. “It took a lot of advocacy and determination to get him the support he needed,” his mom recalls. But Henry has always been a fighter, and with the help of his family, his team, and his community, he has grown in ways they could not have imagined. Once delayed compared to his peers, he is now catching up and thriving, nearing his current grade-level expectations.

When Henry is not working hard, he is just a kid who loves pizza, video games, and hanging out with his siblings. His resilience and joy for life inspire his family every single day. His mom believes if everyone had even a fraction of Henry’s love and caring spirit, the world would be a better place.

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.