In December 2019, Envision’s CITE staff met an unforgettable 11-year-old boy named Wyatt. He was clever, determined, and remarkably skilled at getting his needs met—even with limited access to spoken language. At the same time, Wyatt engaged in many unsafe behaviors that posed serious risks to his personal safety. These behaviors were not a reflection of who Wyatt was, but rather a signal of unmet communication needs.
With CITE’s support, the team focused first on helping Wyatt be understood. Wyatt learned to use a series of single-message communication buttons that gave him a more functional, effective way to communicate his needs. As his ability to express himself increased, staff paired this new communication system with reduced attention to unsafe behaviors. The results were powerful. Wyatt’s frustration decreased, his behaviors subsided, and most importantly, his safety increased dramatically.
We next met Wyatt in June 2025, now 17 years old. Wyatt remained deeply attached to his stepmother, Leah, whose presence and attention were central to his world. Wyatt often stood at the kitchen counter while Leah prepared food and leaned dangerously close to the stovetop while she cooked. When he was hungry or thirsty, Wyatt would throw his cup across the room or send spoons flying down the hallway as a way to communicate his needs.
To accommodate Wyatt and keep him safe, Leah prepared all of his meals separately from the rest of the family and spoon-fed him as he walked around the house. While this routine kept things moving day to day, it also limited safety, independence, and opportunities for shared family experiences.
That’s when Peggy stepped in.
Peggy has been a valued Envision employee for more than 40 years, and her experience, patience, and belief in people shine through her work. Peggy began by supporting the family to create a safer environment that still allowed Wyatt to be included. Together, they introduced a simple change: Wyatt learned to stand on a mat in the kitchen, placed in a safe location where he could observe meal preparation without being in harm’s way.
Next, Peggy encouraged the family to reintroduce Wyatt’s communication buttons. With reliable access to a functional way to express hunger, thirst, and wants, Wyatt no longer needed to throw objects to be heard. The change was immediate and meaningful. Wyatt stopped throwing items around the house and no longer interfered with cooking. He began watching dinner preparation calmly from his mat—and often chose to relax in another room while Leah cooked.
With safety and communication underway, Peggy supported Wyatt and his family in taking the next step: shared mealtimes.
Wyatt began learning to sit at the table during meals—something the family had not experienced together in years. Thanksgiving 2025 marked a major milestone: it was the first time the family sat and ate together at the table. At that time, Leah was still feeding Wyatt, but the foundation had been laid.
From there, progress continued step by step. Peggy supported Wyatt as he learned to bring a fork to his mouth when it was handed to him. By Christmas dinner, Wyatt was feeding himself from his own plate while his sister helped by loading his fork. Today, Wyatt is independently piercing food with his fork and feeding himself fully.
For the first time in his life, Wyatt is feeding himself.
The shift in Wyatt’s home is palpable. There is a sense of calm, mutual understanding, and pride that fills the space. Wyatt appears more confident and sure of himself with every skill he gains. Each step toward independence has reinforced his ability to communicate, participate, and belong.
We are incredibly proud of Wyatt and grateful for his family’s openness to trying new approaches. Wyatt has worked hard throughout his life, and he continues to exceed the low expectations that others once tried to place on him.
We are equally thankful for Peggy’s dedication and leadership. Peggy is a model for CITE staff in countless ways—by presuming competence, leaning in with curiosity, and maintaining high expectations for every learner. Through her work, she reminds us all what is possible when we believe in potential and commit to supporting growth.
Wyatt’s story is a celebration of communication, safety, independence, and the power of holding high expectations—no matter how long the journey takes.
💜Wyatt’s journey shows what’s possible when communication, safety, and independence are supported with patience, belief, and the right tools. At Envision, we are committed to helping more individuals like Wyatt build skills, confidence, and meaningful connections at home and in the community.
👉 Learn more about CITE Services and how you can support our mission at www.envisionohio.org.
