Skyler (13) To Receive This School Year’s 1st Friend Mail! 💝

jennifer2156
Aug 28
3 min read

Updated: Sep 16

Indiana boy - who has autism - pleads with his mom not to send him back to school "because it hurts."

Skyler’s mom describes her son as “creative, hard-working, and inspiring." A huge fan of pro wrestling, Skyler proudly collects all things WWE and dreams of one day stepping into the ring as a WWE Superstar - or maybe wearing the badge as a police officer! In the meantime, he’s building his strength and confidence through martial arts, recently earning his purple belt in Taekwondo. His other passion is animals - whether from the zoo (like his favorite, giraffes!), an aquarium (especially turtles and penguins!) or pets at home! Skyler has 2 guinea pigs, 2 hermit crabs and a bearded dragon named "Matt" after a pro-wrestler!

The 7th grader is currently performing academically at about a 3rd-4th grade level, with developmental abilities similar to those of a 5-year-old. Skyler is currently learning how to read - and loving it!! The family's motto is "If you believe you can do and be something, you can do it!" Skyler likes to share with people that he has autism AND he "is doing it!"

Kind Skyler loves wrestling, Taekwondo and all animals!!😁

The caring Indiana boy is known for putting others before himself. His mom says if he sees another child being bullied, "he will reach out to be their friend." He wants them to know he understands and has been in their shoes.

For Skyler, bullying began in the 2nd Grade when classmates called him names to hurt him on purpose - often using the "R-Word." This verbal bullying escalated to physical. Kids would trip him and hit him with fists. On the school bus, he was straddled and repeatedly punched in the head, causing a concussion - and leaving a scar, inside and out. Another time, Skyler came home in tears after being kicked in the head. Bullies have threatened to stab him with scissors.

Skyler is an awesome kid - and his mom's greatest “inspiration for living.” This school year, she made the brave and heartbreaking choice to protect him physically and emotionally, honoring his heartfelt pleas not to return to the place where “it hurts.” Skyler will now be homeschooled.

Skyler's mom says he will be very inspired to receive our Friend Mail! She feels his loneliness, and he needs to know that he is liked by other kids.