Meet Jaylen
Meet Jaylen – Jaylen is an 11-year-old boy who is in elementary school. He loves playing video games, swimming, and is learning how to DJ. Jaylen is close with his older sister, who has always understood him and been able to communicate with him. Click on each age to learn more about Jaylen at each age and stage of his life.
As a toddler, Jaylen communicated using single words and gestures. He enjoyed playing basketball and played with his cousin, who is his age. He received speech therapy and occupational therapy and went to an early school program. He was a night owl and fell asleep late, but still woke up early.
Jaylen communicated in simple sentences and gestures when he was in preschool. He loved to play outside and also enjoyed playing on his tablet. He continued to play with his cousin as well as his family friends. He started swimming and started playing video games. Jaylen was in a general education classroom and received speech therapy and occupational therapy through the school.
Jaylen was diagnosed with autism when he was school-age. He speaks in sentences and also uses gestures to communicate. Pictures and visual information have helped him to develop more independence at home. He has a very strong bond with his sister and she enjoys helping Jaylen by creating visuals for him at home. He continues to enjoy playing video games and playing on his tablet. He also loves swimming and is learning how to be a DJ. He hopes to be a DJ someday. Jaylen continues to enjoy spending time with his cousin and has expanded his social circle to include friends he has met through camps for autistic children and school.