When Trevor was a toddler, everything seemed typical—he hit all his developmental milestones and was growing as expected. But around 18 months, something changed. His mother remembers it like someone had come in and stolen her baby overnight. Trevor stopped speaking and began showing signs of distress, throwing tantrums and losing the language he once had. His parents were confused and heartbroken, unsure of what to do next.
After a difficult experience in a traditional preschool and countless frustrating attempts to find help, Trevor was eventually referred to a neurologist and diagnosed with autism. “We didn’t have the tools,” his mother says. “Everything that worked for her as a toddler didn’t work for him.” Everyday moments became overwhelming, and even hosting friends became emotionally taxing as Trevor’s meltdowns intensified.
That all began to change when Trevor and his family found Easterseals Midwest.
From the moment they walked through the doors for their first day of parent training—an intense three-week, eight-hour-a-day experience—they knew they had found the support they needed. Easterseals didn’t just focus on Trevor; they supported the entire family, including Trevor’s sister, who learned to navigate her role not only as a sibling but as a source of strength and understanding.
Trevor participated in music therapy, speech, and communication programs. These services helped him develop not just the skills he needed, but the confidence to use them. As Trevor entered high school, his family began planning for his future—what would come after graduation? That’s when he joined Project SEARCH, a transition-to-work program through Easterseals.
Project SEARCH helped me prepare for the future. I learned how to be a good worker and to be professional.
Today, Trevor is a paid employee at an insurance company, earning competitive wages, supported by a job coach he sees weekly. Like many young adults, Trevor is just starting his career, and it's going great so far. He quickly became a familiar face across the company, known for his incredible memory, positivity, and work ethic. He sorts and delivers mail, greets colleagues by name, and helps with packages, all while showing an unmatched level of dedication.
Trevor summarizes it: “It took me a long time… but I somehow conquered the obstacles.”
Trevor has spent more than two decades growing with Easterseals, beginning with early intervention therapies like speech and music, continuing through parent training and sibling support, and ultimately transitioning into employment services. Thanks to this lifelong partnership, Trevor now thrives as a confident, capable young adult with a meaningful job, strong relationships, and a bright future. His mom shared:
They’ve helped him cope with himself, his job, and with me, too. They’ve changed our lives in the most profound way.
Of course, life isn't all about work for this young man -- Trevor also enjoys working out, reading about politics and history, and watching sports and movies.
