boy smiles

Nari A, age 5

Photograph by Willie Tanner (2026)

Nari is happy, loved, adored and he knows it. He loves to play with bubbles, cars, sing, learn and so much more. Nari is lovable, resilient and kind. Sometimes he has a bit of a temper, but he is just a boy trying to make it in the world.
His mom loves seeing his smile when he wakes up and his laughter throughout the day. She loves that he looks at her as if she’s the most important person in the world.
Nari’s journey with autism has been rough, great, tiring and exciting to say the least. His verbal skills are improving.
Nari’s mom is teaching him to always be kind to others and that he deserves kindness, too. The very first time Nari asked his mom to pick him up, it meant everything to her – “Mommy, pick up.” The first time he undressed himself, fed himself with a fork, said “eat,” “juice,” “cat” – those were all milestones.
He has a family that will go to bat for him. His mom is his voice and she will forever take a stand with him, beside him and for him. For Nari’s future, she prays that he feels included and isn’t picked on – that he grows up to fend for himself.

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Every day, parents of children with disabilities, chronic health conditions, and mental health concerns are faced with the difficulty of trying to understand and access much needed services for their child or loved one. Family Connection of SC is a one stop, parent-led organization designed to meet the individualized needs of families.