September 2023 Special Needs Living Akron/Canton

The Funniest Kid In Carroll County! The Extraordinary Lawson Bailey!

By Melissa Klatt with photos by Julian Curet

Meet Lawson Bailey, the amazing seven-year-old dynamo from Carrollton, Ohio! Lawson is not your average kid—he’s a bundle of energy and enthusiasm, and he’s winning hearts left and right with his charming smile and infectious laughter. Let’s introduce you to this extraordinary young boy and his journey of resilience and triumph!

ABOUT LAWSON

Born on September 11th, 2015, Lawson’s parents quickly noticed something unique about him and his eyes. It turned out to be Nystagmus, which caused his eyes to move uncontrollably from side to side. As a young family, they faced this challenge head-on, navigating through the uncertainties that came their way.

But that wasn’t all—when Lawson was only nine months old, he stopped growing altogether! Can you imagine the worry and concern that must have filled their hearts? After numerous tests and consultations with specialists, they received the diagnosis of SeptoOptic Dysplasia, a condition affecting the eyes, pituitary gland, and brain. It was then that they realized that Lawson’s eye conditions and growth issues were due to this condition.

THE BAILEY FAMILY: STRONG AND UNITED

Despite facing tough times, the Bailey family remained strong and united. At 15 months old, Lawson underwent eye surgery to help with his Nystagmus and vision. His vision might be poor, but he has been defying expectations and impressing doctors and family alike with his ability to overcome the odds.

To ensure Lawson receives the best care possible, he has an amazing team of doctors made up of an endocrinologist, ophthalmologist, and neurologist. Thanks to their expertise and the support of his loving family, Lawson started growth hormone injections and testosterone shots, leading to beautiful growth and development.

Lawson’s hormones don’t always behave as expected, so he also takes thyroid medicine to keep them in check. But that doesn’t hold him back one bit! At the age of two, he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, which often goes hand-in-hand with SeptoOptic Dysplasia. Yet, with his family and community rallying behind him, Lawson has been making great strides and spreading joy wherever he goes.

THE BAILEY COMMUNITY: CARROLLTON, OHIO

Speaking of community, the Bailey family hails from Carrollton, Ohio—a small, rural town that they adore. It’s a beautiful place to raise their three boys, and it’s where they’ve found a supportive and loving village. Maranatha Bible Church has become their sanctuary, and they’ve made cherished friends who have embraced them just as they are. Through the ups and downs, Lawson’s big brother and little brother have been his unwavering “bookends,” offering love and support every step of the way. With such a loving family and a caring community, Lawson thrives, never backing down from challenges and always preserving his bravery and kindness.

THE INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT AT THE GOLDEN KEY

Lawson’s journey might have had its tough moments, but he’s never alone in his struggles. The Golden Key, his wonderful school, has played a significant role in his development.

The dedicated teachers and staff at Golden Key have created an inclusive environment where Lawson can explore his interests, from his love for Paw Patrol to jamming out to Luke Bryan. Lawson also enjoys camping, playing Minecraft, swimming, and cherishing precious moments with his family.

“The Golden Key has been such a blessing to us,” says mom, Katie. “They reached out to many families at the Golden Key to involve them in the Challengers baseball program. Lawson is considered legally blind, so handeye coordination sports can typically be difficult for him. His coaches and mentors are so wonderful with him on the team and they count to three so Lawson knows when to swing the bat and he hits it every time! It’s a huge boost of confidence for him and has been one of the sweetest moments for our family to watch Lawson be involved in such a fun activity and actually be able to successfully hit the ball. While playing, he gets so excited that he forgets to run once he hits the ball!”

BAILEY FAMILY: AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE SPECIAL NEEDS COMMUNITY

Being a part of the special needs community has taught the Bailey family the importance of finding understanding and accepting people who support them wholeheartedly. It may take time, but once they find these remarkable souls, they feel embraced and understood in a whole new way. The Bailey family has also learned along the way how important it is to advocate for Lawson. They do their best to spread awareness of Autism and acceptance wherever they go, and they are always constantly trying to teach others the beautiful differences that Lawson holds and that it is okay to be different!

Katie encourages other families going through similar experiences to reach out and find support, whether it’s at school, church, or through various therapies. There are countless resources available, and though it might be daunting to step out of one’s comfort zone, the difference it makes in a child’s growth and sense of belonging is immeasurable.

Lawson Bailey’s story is one of courage, love, and the unyielding power of family and community support. He’s an inspiration to everyone around him, and his journey reminds us all to cherish life’s beautiful moments, embrace our uniqueness, and be a friend to everyone we meet. So here’s to Lawson, the funniest kid in Carroll County, and his wonderful family—may they continue to thrive and spread joy wherever they go!