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Matthew S. GarciaWITH Abig storybig storyA little boyA little boy
Matthew S. GarciaWITH Abig storybig storyA little boyA little boy
Hi! My name is Matthew, and I’m so excited to meet you. Before we start this journey together, I’d like to tell you a little about me. There are some things you may notice right away, and others that you may discover little by little. There may be moments when I seem quiet, distracted, or overwhelmed. My brain works a little differently, and sometimes it needs extra time to process everything happening around me. Loud noises, unexpected changes, or too much activity at once can make me feel anxious, even if I can’t always explain why. If I don’t answer right away, I’m probably still thinking. If I seem upset, I’m probably trying my very best to regain control. If I ask the same question more than once, I’m looking for reassurance. What helps me most is your patience, clear directions, encouragement, and knowing what to expect. When I feel safe and understood, I can do amazing things. I may learn differently, but I love learning. I may need extra support, but I also have gifts that I hope you’ll discover. Behind every diagnosis is simply a little boy who wants to belong, make friends, learn, and grow. Thank you for seeing my heart before you see my challenges. I can’t wait to learn with you! Matthew Dear Teacher,Dear Teacher,
TOY: Marbles Hand Microscope THINGS TO LEARN ABOUT: Maps & Geography COLOR: Blue FOOD: Bacon Mac n’ Cheese PLACE: The beach & Traveling SUBJECT: Science Meet MatthewMeet Matthew Every great story begins with a smile. MY FAVORITES
MY PERSONALITY Curious Thoughtful Funny Persistent Kind Observant IF I’M OVERWHELMED… Give me a little time. SUPERPOWER: Curiosity I COULD SPEND HOURS… Watching science videos or swimming in the pool. I’M HAPPIEST WHEN… When I know what’s coming next. IF I’M INTERESTED… Get ready for LOTS of questions. IF I TRUST YOU… You will see my personality shine.
Every child has a beginning. Mine just came much earlier than anyone expected.My StoryMy Story
I came into this world much sooner than anyone expected—at just 25 weeks’ gestation. I weighed only a little over a pound and spent my first months in the NICU surrounded by doctors, nurses, and machines. While most babies were learning to smile at home, I was learning how to breathe, grow stronger, and keep fighting. My journey wasn’t easy, but looking back, I can clearly see God’s hand carrying me through every challenge and every victory. What began with uncertainty has become a story of hope, grace, and unexpected miracles.A Tiny BeginningA Tiny Beginning
A Life Taking Shape...A Life Taking Shape... BORN AT 25 WEEKS Tiny but mighty from the very start SURGERIES & PROCEDURES I had to be very brave, even when I was so small. IN THE NICU FOR 4.5 MONTHS Learning to breathe, grow, and get stronger every day.
THERAPY BEGINS OT, PT, and lots of love to help me grow. STRONGER EVERY DAY One little step at a time... I kept going. A STORY STILL BEING WRITTEN My greatest milestones may still be ahead of me. One Milestone at a TimeOne Milestone at a Time
Every Small Victory was a Big Celebration Every Small Victory was a Big Celebration Each milestone was a reminder that I was growing, learning, and becoming stronger. Breathing on My Own Meeting My Sister Going Home Learning to Eat on My Own Standing Up Taking My First Steps
The Village That Helped Me Grow The Village That Helped Me Grow Behind every milestone was a team of people who believed in me. Many hearts. One goal.
Understanding MeUnderstanding MeI MAY NEED EXTRA TIME I sometimes need a few extra seconds to process information before I respond. I NOTICE THE LITTLE THINGS I often notice details that others might miss. LOUD SOUNDS CAN FEEL BIG Busy or noisy environments can sometimes feel overwhelming. ROUTINES HELP ME Knowing what comes next helps me feel safe and ready to learn. ENCOURAGEMENT HELPS ME SHINE Positive encouragement gives me confidence to keep trying. I LEARN BEST BY DOING Hands-on activities and movement help me learn and stay engaged. I LIKE TO DO MY BEST When something is difficult, I can become frustrated. I’m learning healthy ways to manage my emotions and understand that mistakes are part of learning and growing.
MY DIAGNOSES ASD & ADHD Generalized Anxiety Sensory Processing Differences Visual-Motor & Depth Perception Challenges I’m getting support every day to learn, grow, and reach my potential.
Things I LoveThings I Love Swimming Play-Doh Music Space History Rocks What Makes Me Smile What Makes Me Smile High fives Being silly Spending time with my sister Playing outside Building things Hugs from Mom and Dad
My StrengthsMy Strengths What Helps Me Feel Safe What Helps Me Feel Safe A warm smile Predictable routines Extra time when I need it Calm, gentle voices Positive encouragement Gentle guidance Patience and understanding Determined Curious Caring Great sense of humor Notices details Strong memory Persistent
The Adventure BeginsThe Adventure Begins Thank you for taking the time to learn about my story before getting to know me. Thank you for believing in me, encouraging me, and helping me discover all that I can become. I know this is just the beginning, and I’m so thankful you’ll be part of my journey.
I’ve already come so far, but there’s still so much ahead. With every step, every challenge, and every victory, God continues to write my story. I can’t wait to discover what He has planned for me. Every Journey Has a Destination Every Journey Has a Destination