At Family Hope Foundation, we believe every child has a unique superpower. We asked Maverick’s parents, Terrie and Gavin, to share his superpower. Their answer was his exceptional imagination and talent for bringing his ideas to life.

“Maverick’s spirit shines brightest when he’s exploring the mysteries of the world around him. His imagination compels him to uncover how things work—to see the beautiful complexity behind every object. With a joyful spark in his eyes, he pours his love into understanding how things work and finds great satisfaction in disassembling and reassembling anything he can. He has an insatiable desire to see how things work.” 

While Maverick has very special gifts, his parents expressed that his “way of learning was different—deeply unique.” Maverick was diagnosed with autism and ADHD. However, the path toward a diagnosis is rarely a straight line. It’s a process with twists, turns, and the occasional roadblock. During the search for answers, life can feel heavy—it requires perseverance.

Kindergarten was a challenging year for Maverick. His parents said, “There were many days when we both felt overwhelmed and emotional. It’s a difficult experience to recognize that your child’s needs are greater than you can currently meet. We were uncertain about how to provide Maverick with the support he needed—that year proved to be one of the most overwhelmingly difficult journeys we’ve ever faced.

Trying to fit Maverick into a traditional classroom was heartbreaking and daunting. It was a relentless struggle, filled with countless meetings and moments of despair, as we desperately fought to understand how we could help him.”

Yet, out of this challenging year came Marerick’s diagnosis, which, his parents said, “Illuminated the path to hope. Having answers transformed everything, igniting a newfound determination to give him the personalized support he desperately needed.”

This personalized support included speech and occupational therapy, as well as a special bond with the therapists, Miss Amy and Miss Lauren, at the Center for Childhood Development. For Terrie, she knew in her gut she was in the right spot when she walked through the door for the first time and was greeted by a poster that read: “All people need a place where they do not feel invisible.” 

“Tears filled my eyes. In that moment, I felt the weight of every struggle and every hope we’ve carried. I felt like I was standing exactly where we were meant to be. Maverick’s first appointment was nothing short of amazing. He laughed, played, and truly enjoyed every moment. For the first time, I felt heard—not just as a parent, but as someone fighting for her child’s place in the world. Seeing Maverick feel safe, understood, and joyful in that space was overwhelming, and it reminded me how powerful it is for every child to feel valued and seen.

 It felt like a miracle was unfolding before my eyes. Therapy became a sanctuary where Maverick’s spirit was finally heard and understood. It was helping him to find a voice he never knew he had.  It was stirring a newfound strength and confidence in him.”

Finding your voice takes courage. With Maverick’s diagnosis, identifying how he most naturally thinks and feels, and then the ability to express himself in different environments, is a huge accomplishment.

Therapy wasalsoacatalyst for unlocking Maverick’s superpower, and his confidence was soaring. It was also the beginning of a series of WINS felt by every member of the family.

We asked Maverick’s parents to share some of the WINS he’s achieved through therapy. When they spoke about his progress, their joy was infectious. “One of the most incredible WINS has been watching Maverick find his voice. He’s learning to express himself even in moments of frustration. He’s now able to push past the walls that once held him back. 

Maverick is also learning how to advocate for himself when others might not fully understand his challenges. These WINS are a powerful step forward for Maverick and a testament to his strength and resilience. 

He’s learning to communicate his thoughts more clearly, which has helped him build stronger, more positive relationships with his peers. We’re so proud of Maverick. His confidence is growing, and he’s connecting with other classmates in meaningful ways. He is blossoming and thriving in a way that fills our hearts with joy and hope.”

Advocating for a child with unique needs can be exhausting. However, through their family’s journey, Terrie and Gavin have experienced growth and their own personal WINS, discovering inner strength and confidence.

“Maverick’s diagnoses bring immense challenges, and there are still moments when he’s unable to share what he truly needs. That’s when we step in with everything we have—our heart, our voice, our unwavering commitment. Therapy has become a beacon of hope, empowering us to speak out fiercely and passionately for him, to be his voice when he needs it most.”

The WINS have extended beyond Maverick and his parents. Therapy has helped strengthen their family. After a very challenging period, they now experience days, weeks, and months that feel less heavy.

Because the atmosphere at home has also leveled out, there is less stress and more joy. Maverick’s parents explain how “finding his voice has opened the door to sharing his ideas at home, which has strengthened interactions with his siblings. The growth in Maverick’s communication skills has created a positive atmosphere for our whole family.”

Parenting Maverick has empowered Terrie and Gavin on so many levels. They’re learning how to help others understand the importance of positive interactions with children whose challenges may not always be visible. They are advocating for Maverick and others to ensure they feel seen, understood, and supported.

Despite the many WINS, there is one challenge Terrie and Gavin can’t ignore—the high cost of the therapy to meet Maverick’s needs. His parents expressed that “even covering copays is difficult in today’s economic climate. We rely on a single income, which made Maverick’s therapy feel financially out of reach at times. The thought of interrupting his growth and progress was heartbreaking.

We learned about Family Hope Foundation when we were at a crossroad, faced with the difficult decision to push pause on Maverick’s therapy. We applied for a scholarship, and when we heard the news that Maverick would be a recipient, it was a gift beyond measure. The financial support allowed Maverick to continue his sessions and keep thriving. 

Maverick’s scholarship represents more than the necessary financial assistance; it’s the lifeline that continues to transform our family’s journey. It’s enabled Maverick to continue receiving the vital therapy that is nurturing his growth. I go back to the poster I saw on Maverick’s first day of therapy:  ‘All people need a place where they do not feel invisible.’ At Family Hope Foundation, Maverick and our entire family feel seen. Thank you for being an organization that serves as a beacon of hope for a child’s future.”

We often close our stories by asking families about the significance of HOPE and their dreams for the future.

For Maverick’s parents, HOPE means “having the opportunity to overcome challenges that can sometimes feel impossible. It’s the belief that, even in difficult moments, there is a path forward and a chance for positive change.”

As for Terrie and Gavin’s dreams for Maverick’s future, “we see him living a truly fulfilling life. We see a future in which Maverick recognizes and celebrates his unique qualities and uses them in positive ways. Most of all, we see him transforming any challenges he’s faced into opportunities. We envision Maverick’s gifts will make a meaningful difference—making sure those around him feel seen.”