Jacob “JT” Sorensen

“Jacob “JT” Sorensen is a vibrant 7-year-old boy who has lived his entire life in Herriman, following in the footsteps of his family, who have called this place home for generations. His family’s roots run deep, even living in the same house that his great-grandmother once called home. Diagnosed with nonverbal autism at the age of 2, JT faces challenges that make him unique, but these challenges also allow him to experience the world in ways that his family embraces with joy and pride.

JT began using an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device when he was 5, and it has become a key tool in helping him express himself. His goals include improving his AAC communication to a conversational level, but in the meantime, JT has found plenty of other ways to engage with the world. Music is one of his favorite things, especially nursery rhymes like “”The Wheels on the Bus”” and “Five Little Monkeys.” If you spend time with JT, you might see him dancing by rocking back and forth to the tunes he loves or getting lost in hours of Mickey Mouse shows.

Water is another thing that brings JT pure joy. Whether it’s at a splash pad, a pool, or even just a bath, JT’s love for water is unmistakable. His mom welcomes anyone curious to come say hello if they see him splashing around—she’s always happy to answer questions about his autism and how his AAC device helps him communicate.

JT has two siblings, an older sister and a younger brother, who are also autistic but verbal. His family, including his parents and grandmother, works together to care for him, making sure he has the support he needs to navigate the world. His grandmother plays an especially crucial role, helping JT grow and thrive every day.

JT attends Kauri Sue Hamilton, a specialized school in the Jordan School District designed for children with severe disabilities. The school offers a wide range of therapies and resources, including adaptive PE and multiple speech therapists, which helps JT work on goals typical of a 7-year-old, like learning to read and do basic math. Kauri Sue’s dedicated staff ensure that students like JT don’t get lost in the shuffle, even in environments where high support is necessary.

Navigating a world where speech is the primary form of communication presents ongoing challenges for JT and his family. Many people, unsure of how to interact with someone who communicates differently, avoid engaging at all, but his family believes that asking questions is much better than staying silent. They want people to know that they won’t be offended by curiosity—in fact, they welcome it. JT’s family believes in fostering a sense of inclusion, where individuals with disabilities are acknowledged and valued members of the community.

Though JT’s challenges are significant, they also highlight his strengths. He finds joy in the small things, like the feel of water and sand or the sound of music. His laughter and happiness are contagious, reminding his family of the beauty in seeing the world from a different perspective. His family recognizes that while some of his struggles are difficult, they wouldn’t change a thing about him because those struggles are part of what makes JT who he is.

JT’s family is incredibly proud of the progress he has made. Things that may seem small to others—like not spilling applesauce in his hair or successfully navigating a trip to the grocery store—are huge milestones for them. This past summer has been full of moments that might have once seemed impossible, from trips to splash pads to attending car shows, all of which represent significant steps forward.

Ultimately, JT’s goals are simple yet profound: he wants to be able to do the things that any other 7-year-old boy would do, whether that’s playing basketball or expressing himself without his tablet. And above all, he wants to continue enjoying life, finding joy in the world around him. His family hopes that by sharing his story, they can help others understand the importance of inclusion, curiosity, and kindness in building a community where everyone feels like they belong.”