My name is Szymon. I am a 14-year-old boy with profound autism, living in the Litherland area of Sefton. My autism affects every area of my development, and I require care and support 24 hours a day. I am generally calm and happy, but I face significant challenges that mean I need ongoing therapeutic support.

I do not have verbal communication. At times I may push others away or prefer to be alone, as it can be difficult for me to express my needs or feelings. I currently use symbols and PECS at a basic level, but I need continued therapy and alternative communication methods to help me express myself and be understood.

I have significant sensory needs and require physical, sensory, emotional, and communication-based therapies throughout my life. Without regular therapy, there is a risk of regression and loss of skills. Although I attend a special school and work very hard, progress is slow, and specialist therapies are essential to help me continue moving forward.

I experience very high levels of anxiety, especially in unfamiliar environments such as medical settings. This makes routine procedures, including blood tests and examinations, extremely distressing and sometimes impossible without sedation. I need specialist support to help me gradually understand and tolerate medical care in a safe and structured way.

I also live with ongoing physical challenges. I have increased muscle tension and often hold my body in a crouched position. My hands can become stiff and tight, showing signs of constant tension. This affects my comfort, movement, and overall wellbeing, and I require therapies that can help my body relax and function more comfortably.

Szymon presents with excess skin around the joints, reduced ability to grip or tighten his fingers, and marked thoracic kyphosis (severe hunching). He often moves on his knees rather than walking upright, which suggests significant muscle tension, postural instability and possible long‑term musculoskeletal risk

I love going for short walks along the canal to see the ducks, visiting the park, and going to local shops. I need close supervision in the community, as I do not recognise everyday risks. Music brings me great joy – I love listening to songs, singing, and dancing at home. Music therapy would be especially helpful to support my emotional regulation and communication. I also enjoy watching YouTube and playing with toy cars, especially Toot Toot Drivers.

Although I cannot speak, I can vocalise and I have a very good memory. While I may never develop verbal speech, there is strong evidence that with the right therapies I can learn alternative ways to communicate, reduce frustration, and better connect with the world around me.

I am a bright and intelligent boy with potential, but I need the right support to help me move forward. With appropriate therapies, there is hope to improve my independence, comfort, and quality of life.

We are fundraising to help cover the ongoing costs of essential specialist therapies, equipment, and support that are not fully funded, but are vital to help me stay safe, reduce anxiety, and live the best life possible.

7.5% of all donations to Tree of Hope in relation to this appeal will be allocated to the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope to cover our core operating costs.

If we raise insufficient funds, or surplus funds, they will be used, if appropriate, to fund support for our child’s needs in accordance with Tree of Hope’s charitable objectives. If, in those circumstances, we are unable to use all or part of the funds for the benefit of our child, any funds that cannot be used will be transferred to be used for the general charitable purposes of Tree of Hope.