Austin – Aged out

From a woman who met Austin:
“Austin has a big personality.  It is hard to imagine he is deaf because his communication is so good. He told us he wanted a turn with the iPad. He wanted his picture taken.  He told us he has a best friend. Austin came in with his friend and showed us by giving him a hug.  Austin is cool, full of personality and life.  Austin is persistent, open, happy and loving.  He is saying in so many ways, “I matter, Pick Me, I rock”.  Could this boy who heart is so big be your son?”

“He was so funny! He loved having his picture taken and printed out. He posed with everything and everyone in the room.”

25 year old Chelsea traveled with Superkids Charity in June. She says Austin is really on her heart right now. She says Austin is a deaf-mute boy fighting to be heard.

She says about him:
“I remember that this isn’t just any child—this is sweet, spirited Austin. Austin is the boy that was so eager and engaging and communicative that I could hardly believe he was deaf-mute. Austin is a boy that exudes untapped potential and hope. He’s the boy I played picture games with, who asked me to draw the pictures he couldn’t, who hugged his best friend proudly, who playfully bossed me around, who unashamedly asked for the things he wanted—like another picture, a ball to take home, a turn on Gongzhan’s  i-pad, some attention, a family.

But Austin is trapped in an institution because no one has yet come forward to adopt him. And he is trapped in his own body because inadequate education has not given him sufficient tools to communicate (although he compensates impressively). Austin is a fighter and I know he is still hoping to find his family this year.”