He currently attends Platteview High School, which can continue to provide educational support until age 21. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the public school system has designed a personalized IEP (Individualized Education Plan) for him, which includes special education, speech therapy, and social skills training.

The school not only offers basic academics and social training but also creates various internship opportunities, such as volunteering at a church or helping with the buying and selling of second-hand clothing. They also organize athletic competitions, allowing the students to experience a normal group life, maximize their independence, and prepare them for future integration into society.

Every summer, Mathew attends a multi-day Sleepaway Camp, specially organized for children with autism. The camp includes professional caregivers, as well as a variety of physical and social activities — giving these children a space where they are understood and respected, and where they can grow.

Mathew is now 20 years old, approaching adulthood. For many families with autistic children, this can be the beginning of a new set of anxieties — but Mathew’s parents appear to be at ease.

The state of New York offers a Certified Housing program. When parents are no longer able to care for their children, Mathew can live with other young people in similar situations in a safe and comfortable environment, with professionally trained caregivers providing round-the-clock support.

According to Mathew’s parents, the New York State government invests up to hundreds of thousands of dollars per autistic child annually, covering education, therapy, transportation, living skill coaching, and more. The SW BOCES organization provides a full range of educational support throughout the child’s development. Mathew also benefits from his parents’ social security.

We know that such a comprehensive and thoughtful support system wasn’t built overnight — it is the result of long-term social advocacy, legislative backing, and the selfless contributions of countless dedicated individuals.

Mathew’s parents do not deny their “misfortune.” They acknowledge the hardships and moments of confusion along the way. But they are also grateful to live in a country that encourages expression, offers support, and fosters love.

“In America, we’ve learned not to be suppressed or endure in silence. We have to speak up for what we need, and not be afraid to trouble others.”
They believe that social support shouldn’t be left to luck — it should be built into the system. Every child deserves a future of their own.

During the interview, Mathew’s parents shared that he has his own unique way of expressing emotions. He senses the feelings of those around him and responds in kind — reminding his sick caregiver to take vitamins every day; standing on the porch each day to wait when his parents are away on a trip; pressing his forehead gently to his mother’s face when she coughs. He gives and receives love in his own special way. His mother said, “He’s silent, but he knows how to make you feel warmth.”

Although Mathew doesn’t speak much and isn’t good at tests, he teaches us something profound — the transmission of emotion and the continuation of love. To his parents, Mathew is an exceptional child. “Exceptional” doesn’t mean solving complex equations, but embracing the world with his whole being.

Before I knew it, two hours had flown by. As we left the restaurant, the sun broke through the clouds — the skies finally clearing after several days of rain. I watched Mathew’s family walk away and felt as though, in a diverse and inclusive social system, every person — no matter their natural gifts — can be seen, cared for, and given the dignity of a meaningful life.

Here, every child has a future of their own.