Meet Ayden

“I would really like a new mom and dad.” That is what Ayden says when you ask him what he wants in life. “A family who will be nice, respectful, and sweet to me.”

Ayden is a playful 13-year-old with an infectious smile. He describes himself as “athletic, loveable, and a sweetheart” and his caregivers agree. His current caregiver states “It is a joy to know this young man.” Ayden has unfortunately had some experiences that have made him worried that a new family will not treat him well, or that they will give up on him. This leads to Ayden then engaging in behaviors that tend to sabotage placement. He very much wants to be a part of a family, but he has a lot of fear and insecurity about what that means for him. He can argue or take a joke too far, but he can easily be directed. He has the occasional temper tantrum but it passes quickly.

Ayden loves sports, particularly basketball and football. He’s never had the chance to play organized sports. He dreams of having “a normal family” so he can try out for the basketball team. Ayden also loves to build things like Legos or model cars. Ayden struggles a bit in school and would need a family who can give him extra attention with his schoolwork. He says his favorite subject is math.

As a growing 12-year-old boy, Ayden has an incredible appetite. He loves nachos, ramen noodles, junk food, and gumbo. When asked what adoption means to him, he said “a family that would love me and feed me.”