What to Know
We’ve all seen mothers crying on social media and probably rolled our eyes a time or two. Sometimes these emotional outbursts can seem trivial compared to the challenges other families face daily. Mom Jayda Raylyn Oliva recently shared a desperate plea on TikTok begging others to help her find her autistic son Truxton’s tablet. This isn’t a typical tablet for watching videos; it’s Truxton’s communication tool.
The Augmentative and Alternative Communication device was reportedly stolen at school, and Oliva hoped that taking her concerns to TikTok might help him get the AAC tablet back. Luckily, she not only found the device, but a network of loving and caring parents who understand just how she felt.
Oliva took months personalizing Truxton’s tablet.
@raylynjaydaoliva ♬ original sound – Jayda Raylyn Oliva
Oliva explained that she spent eight months personalizing Truxton’s AAC tablet. While it may look like a regular device to a kid at school, it is much more sophisticated and requires a prescription from Truxton’s doctor. “We’ve worked so hard,” Oliva said through tears, and she pleaded with TikTokers to help her find the tablet. Truxton, who has level 3 autism, is nonverbal, and the thought of someone taking the tablet made Oliva “so angry.”
Families of children with autism flooded the comments with offers of help and support.
@raylynjaydaoliva Replying to @AJ ♬ original sound – Jayda Raylyn Oliva
The autism community stepped up immediately with offers to help Oliva. These families understand the challenges and showered her and Truxton with love.
“My son has AAC tablet that we do not use. Nothing is wrong with it. I can mail it to you,” a parent wrote.
This person shared a similar offer with Oliva. “My brother has an extra AAC tablet he does not use! Let me talk to my mom about it if yours doesn’t turn up maybe we can help!” They wrote.
Others wanted Oliva to get help from Truxton’s school. “Girl, my son’s school searched everyone’s book bag for a dumpling! Get that school to assist you!!!”
The student who took Truxton’s tablet returned it.
@raylynjaydaoliva Replying to @Nidia ⭐️🌙 ♬ original sound – Jayda Raylyn Oliva
“I’ve got some good news, ya’ll,” Oliva shared. “I got my son’s voice back, and that means more than you guys will ever know.”
According to Oliva, a student allegedly took Truxton’s tablet from the hallway at school and put it in their backpack. When the school announced the tablet was missing, the child apparently became frightened and didn’t return it. Oliva explained that the child’s mother found the tablet in their backpack. She then used the experience as a teaching moment to explain why Truxton needs the tablet to communicate.
“Have her understand me and be able to just empathize with how hard it was with me yesterday,” Oliva said. “She was just very, very kind. I knew her apology was real.”
Many praised the mother for doing the right thing. “What a great mom! She saw the email, looked in her kids bag, gave it back, and is trying to educate them. Definitely a learning experience but kids make mistakes that’s how they learn. Glad you have the device back,” someone wrote.
This person agreed, writing, “Not all behaviors are direct reflection of a parent. Sounds like she was a good mom so glad you got it back and it was a productive conversation.”
Sometimes life has a happy ending simply because of good parenting. These are the lessons everyone needs to learn.
READ NEXT: Georgia Man Allegedly Terrorizes an Autistic Student as a ‘Prank’ for YouTube ‘Content’
