Child Profiles
Austin, born September 1996
Austin gives his heart away every day. And some days he gives it to multiple people. An artist since age six, Austin's favorite thing to draw is hearts. And because there is no reason to keep a beautiful heart to yourself, he makes gifts of these drawings, giving them to teachers, friends and people he knows. "I do it like everyday," he said. His heart drawings are often personalized for the intended receiver, displaying their name and a fun message to brighten their day.
Gathering up red and pink markers at a desk in his group home recently, Austin readied himself for the task ahead of him. He drew one side of the shape and then another, making an oblong cherry-red heart in the middle of a blank piece of construction paper. Adorning the heart, he wrote his name and the name of the person to whom he was gifting the artwork. A huge smile erupted on his face as he turned to the people watching his artistic process. "That's what I like to draw," he said with a quiet and humble tone, holding up the heart for all to see.
When it comes to art, Austin said that he likes to create "all sorts of stuff." He draws cars, animals, houses. But in the end, his very favorite subject is hearts. They seem to mean the most to him and to the people with whom he shares them.
A spirited eleven-year-old, Austin has no trouble finding fun in his world. He loves collecting baseball cards. "I like the Braves," he shared. His favorite player? "Chipper Jones. Third base. Braves," he said succinctly. "I go to the (Diamondbacks) games," he added.
In his spare time, Austin enjoys heading out into the great outdoors for fun. The backyard swimming pool offers refuge from the Arizona summer heat. Playing sports with friends is another great joy in Austin?fs life. Baseball and basketball seem to be his very favorites.
When it comes to music, Austin loves all sorts of genres: "Country, old school, jazz, hip hop, (and) rock," he said. By far, his favorite artists are Brooks and Dunn.
During quiet times at home, Austin loves watching television, especially if it is a show that helps him to learn. His favorite shows include the Crocodile Hunter and anything on Animal Planet. Cartoons also fill this young man's world. Like other boys his age, he gets a big kick out of watching the adventures of SpongeBob SquarePants and his underwater friends.
While it can sometimes be a struggle, reading is another activity that Austin enjoys exploring. He says that his favorite stories come from Scooby Doo books.
Fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy and corn, chewy raspberry granola bars and chocolate cake top Austin's list of yummy foods. He is a young man who is not very picky when it comes to eating. Austin said that one of his very favorite restaurants is Hometown Buffet. "Because it's homey and there's lots of food."
A sixth grader, Austin enjoys school. His favorite subject is math. Austin noted that he is especially fond of addition problems. Because of learning challenges, Austin will benefit from a motivating family who can act as a strong advocate for Austin in the school system. It is important that his new family have the time and attention to devote to helping him progress academically and socially at school.
Austin said that he would like to be a police officer when he grows up. They are the heroes of the community, he explained. "They save lives every day."
More than anything, Austin would like a permanent, loving family that he can give his heart to everyday. Austin's ideal family is an experienced two parent family with no younger children in the home. They should be understanding, patient and eager to spend time with their new son. Positive reinforcement, consistent discipline and clear structure within the home will provide a predictable and stable environment that will benefit this young man for years to come.
One thing Austin is eager to find is a family able to spend quality time with him, encouraging his hopes and dreams. It would be wonderful if his adoptive family could help him to develop his budding interest in playing the guitar. In addition, he would love to be part of a family that enjoys having pets within the home.
For more information about Austin or to learn about foster care and adoption opportunities, please call AASK at (602) 254-2275.