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SALT LAKE CITY — This week's Wednesday's Child is a boy of few words, but plenty of heart. We caught up with him at a recent Utah Jazz game for some close encounters with some of his favorite players.
At 9 years old, Jason is a kid of simple pleasures: soccer, the color blue, basketball and chocolate chip cookies.
So when Craig Bolerjack, the Root Sports TV announcer for Jazz games, handed Jason a plateful of cookies during the team's pregame practice, Jason didn't know whether to hand him his basketball to sign or just eat the treats.
Age: 9
Birthday: June 2003
Grade: 2nd
Interests: Technology and basketball
Special needs: Jason is autistic. Through the help of counseling and special education programs, he is making great progress in his daily life skills.
Jason isn't always able to express himself clearly because he is autistic. But his caretakers said he is "making great progress with his daily life skills and is proud of his achievements."
When I asked him who his favorite player is, he immediately pointed to the Jumbotron and flipped to Gordon Hayward's page in his program.
When Jason got his a chance to actually meet Hayward, the moment was magic. He gave Hayward a high-five, got his autograph, and even posed for a picture with the NBA star.
Jason is up for adoption and desperately needs a permanent family. He needs consistency, and he needs love.
If you're interested in providing Jason with a permanent home, contact The Adoption Exchange at 801-265-0444.