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SALT LAKE CITY — There is no question, 9-year-old Ptolemy will make you smile within minutes of meeting him. “He’s so funny. He is so sweet and just funny,” said Brooklyn Moeller, his behavior analyst. Ptolemy is a young boy with autism in foster care, and while that diagnosis is part of his story, Moeller said the people who know him best know that it’s far from what defines him. “He loves being silly. He is so fun and energetic,” Moeller said. “He has lots of stories… and likes to pretend.” At school, Ptolemy is known for his playful spirit. He’s drawn to puzzles, little locks and keys and hands-on toys he can twist and figure out. “He wants to know how everything works,” Moeller said. “He just likes to figure stuff out.” And when the confetti poppers come out, she says it is pure joy. “He likes kind of the loud noise,” she said. “It’s a little chaotic, and he gets really excited about it… and then all of the confetti everywhere is just so exciting."
Incredible growth
Moeller said Ptolemy has made remarkable progress over the years. “The very first time I met him, he was super quiet and didn’t talk really at all,” she said. “He just kind of did his own thing. Now he is super smart. He will sit in his class in a group, and he loves to participate with the teacher. He will talk now a lot more.” She said he has worked hard on communication and social skills and continues to grow every day.
What kind of family would be best?
Moeller said Ptolemy would thrive in a family that’s active and engaged. “He would love siblings,” she said. “He would want to run around and play… he wants to be involved in everything.” He’s social, affectionate and naturally connects with people. “He connects with people really easily,” Moeller said. “He has a lot of love to give. He’s very sweet and kind and funny, and he will pull you into his play and his life.”
More than a diagnosis
Moeller said families shouldn’t be intimidated by the word autism. “Just because he has autism doesn’t mean that he’s any less or different than other kids,” she said. Like every child waiting in foster care, she said what Ptolemy truly needs is simple. “He deserves love and care just like anybody else would," she said. Moeller’s greatest hope for him? “My goal for him would be to be in a place where he is loved and appreciated for who he is… with people that will meet him at his level.” To learn more about Ptolemy or explore foster care or adoption, check out RaiseTheFuture.org.
