Hancock Co. 4-year-old advocates for Autism through TikTok

HAWESVILLE, Ky. (WFIE) - Chelsea and Daniel Boling are high school sweethearts.

They have 2-year-old Dani and 4-year-old Easton.

Easton has autism and is nonverbal so he communicates with pictures.

“Non-speaking does not mean non-understanding or non-feeling,” said Chelsea. “He understands a lot more than he lets on.”

It was Easton that inspired his mom to start a non-profit called Autism Advocates of Hancock County, a year ago.

The organization has events and support groups.

“We knew that Hancock County is small and we would reach a small audience, but it’s so needed,” Chelsea said.

But now Easton’s advocating for himself through videos - one in particular.

Chelsea posted a TikTok video on Jan. 26 of Easton on his swing in their living room.

The video immediately gained attention and now has almost 5 million views.

“A lot of people reached out and said they wanted a swing like that or they did have a swing like that. It’s wild,” said Daniel.

The swing isn’t just for fun like most toys though.

It can help Easton relax and ease anxiety.

“It goes beyond just a little boy having fun on a swing to reaching people and making them feel seen,” said Chelsea.

She says the swing and the video show how Easton’s life may look different than ours but that it’s not necessarily a bad thing.

“It dawned on me one day, why would I want him to be typical? Why would I want him to be like everyone else? He’s perfect,” said Chelsea.

You can see the video here.

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