three brothers sit on a park bench

Wesley R, age 8

Photograph by Michelle Brewster (2025)

A lively and kind-hearted boy, Wes is known for non-stop happiness and boundless energy. His story is one of resilience, love, and a true testament to the power of embracing differences. From the start it was clear that Wes had a unique spirit. He hit all his early milestones and was speaking clearly at a young age. But as he entered kindergarten, his parents began noticing that he was struggling in ways his classmates were not. After a series of evaluations, Wes was diagnosed with autism, and further assessments revealed ADHD and generalized anxiety.

Wes has a natural tendency to make people smile, often without even trying. His energy and enthusiasm are contagious, and he loves to help others. He has a remarkable ability to comfort those around him, whether it is sharing a snack, telling a joke, or simply offering a hug. His teachers have often said that he is the one who brightens their day, and his parents could not agree more.

One of the most inspiring qualities about Wes is his confidence in who he is. He embraces his autism and is proud of how his brain works. He is not afraid to explain what it feels like for him, and he openly talks about his challenges and strengths. He has a deep understanding of himself, and his sense of pride in his identity shines through in everything he does.

Wes’s favorite activities revolve around his love for storytelling and adventure. Though he does not own a gaming system, he immerses himself in the worlds of Minecraft, Mario Bros, Pokémon, and PacMan through books, drawings, and creative play. His room is filled with illustrations of these games, and he brings them to life with stuffed animals and toys. Whether it is reading, exploring the beach, or spending quality time with his family, Wes approaches everything with the same enthusiasm and zest for life.

Wes has changed his family in ways they never expected. He has taught them to slow down, appreciate the small victories, and recognize that differences are something to celebrate. His parents do not know exactly what the future holds for him, but they are certain that wherever Wes goes, he will get there on his own terms, with love, support, and his signature joy leading the way.

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.