Local Nonprofit Helps Neurodiverse Children Celebrate Their Birthdays

A nonprofit wants to make sure neurodiverse kids are celebrated on their birthdays.

They have parties and send cards to a child on their birthday each month.

It's always great to get well wishes from people who care on your birthday, but how about from complete strangers who care?

"Birthdays are special, and I believe everybody should have a big party for their birthday,” Sondia Bell, Founder of Jacob’s Bridge, said.

Bell wanted kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder, like her son, Jacob, to feel special on their big day.

"I noticed there was a need when Jacob never got invited to birthday parties, and I have four children, so I thought, why is that happening,” Bell said. “What's the deal? Why does he not get birthday cards? Why does he not get invitations?"

She wondered if other parents felt that way, too. So, she created a birthday club as part of her foundation called Jacob's Bridge.

They celebrate with a birthday party once a month.

"Being able to celebrate their birthday all together was a wonderful feeling,” Bell said. “Seeing the kids be able to be around other kids singing, celebrating. We even blew out candles.”

But she didn’t stop there.

Bell teamed up with Anthony Tinervia.

“I didn't know Sondia was going to start her club, so I offered to help out,” Tinervia said.

Anthony sends birthday cards to thousands of kids on the spectrum across the country.

He knows what it's like for these kids because he grew up with Asperger’s.

The two continue to spread birthday cheer together every month, knowing firsthand how good it feels to be celebrated.