Dhylan L - Family Connection of South Carolina

Dhylan L, age 5

Photograph by Michele Hutchinson (2022)

Dhylan is an energetic and joyful boy with a pure and beautiful heart. He is independent and able to succeed at anything he puts his mind to. He is already fluent in English and Spanish, and he is trying to learn Chinese.

Besides studying languages, Dhylan likes to swim, run, and watch TV. He loves spending time with his older brothers, going to the movies, and listening to music. “He teaches us that the world is beautiful,” his mom says. “Since his arrival, he has taught us that love and family unity can get us through anything.”

Though Dhylan has a diagnosis of autism, his mom wants everyone to know that he can do anything anyone else can do. “Children with autism are just like us– they suffer, they feel, they enjoy—just like we do,” she says. “I want the world to see my son just like any other boy.”

Dhylan es un niño muy alegre y energético, con un corazón bonito y puro. Él es independiente y capaz de tener éxito en todo lo que se propone. El ya habla fluidamente en inglés y en español, y está tratando de aprender el idioma chino.

Además de estudiar lenguajes, a Dhylan le gusta nadar, correr y ver televisión. Le encanta pasar tiempo con sus hermanos mayores, ir al cine y escuchar música. “Él nos enseña que el mundo es bello”, dice su mamita. “Desde que el llego, él nos ha enseñado que el amor y la unión familiar nos puede ayudar a sobrepasar cualquier cosa”.

Aunque Dhylan tiene el diagnostico de autismo, su mami quiere que todos sepan que él puede hacer lo que cualquier persona puede hacer. “Los niños con autismo son como nosotros – ellos sufren, sienten, y disfrutan – tal como nosotros lo hacemos”, ella dice. “Quiero que el mundo vea a mi hijo como cualquier otro niño”.

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.