GREEN BAY, Wis. — With holiday decorations up, Toni Wilson and her teenage son Carter spent some time reading from a book by the Christmas tree in their Green Bay home.
“When you see someone you know in the hall, what should you say?” asked Toni Wilson.
“Hi,” responded Carter Wilson.
The innocent moment was probably unthinkable a few years ago.
Just down the hall, Carter’s father, Ian Wilson, worked from his home office.
“We had a year where Carter screamed for a whole year. It was very difficult. We couldn’t leave the house. We could never go anywhere as a family. Even getting into the car, he erupted more. We couldn’t go into any stores. Family functions were uncomfortable,” said Ian Wilson.
Carter’s autism required constant supervision. The Wilsons’ older son, Nolan, also displayed some autism traits.
They were told early intervention would be most helpful for their boys, but the family was struggling financially.
“Insurance is saying ‘no,’ and the state is saying ‘wait two years,’” explained Ian Wilson.
The Wilsons said at the time the system was difficult to navigate for financially challenged families.
“It was hard when there’s a therapy that is important for your child, and that’s all that the doctors can tell you to do. You can’t get it because it’s financially out of reach, and there’s no way to pay for it,” said Toni Wilson.
So the family bet on themselves.
Ian Wilson, a military veteran, focused on the financials. With a construction background, he took classes at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College for a new career in architecture. Toni Wilson focused her efforts on daily care and finding useful therapies for the boys.
“When your child can’t even sit still for two seconds, they can’t really learn. They can’t be part of an activity with the family. They can’t go out in public with you,” said Toni Wilson.
In 2015, they launched Nolan Carter Architectural Design LLC, named after their boys. The firm succeeded financially, and by design, allowed the family to take on autism.
“We’re so fortunate. I tell people all the time that I’m the luckiest person I know,” said Ian Wilson.
Ian Wilson found his calling as an architect, and Toni Wilson oversaw the boys’ improvement. They’re now in a position to give back and started the Nolan Carter Foundation.
“We just started it last year. As we are going through some of this, we’re experiencing the gaps that exist. Can we help solve it at a local level?” said Toni Wilson.
They’ve given back to autism-related organizations that helped them, such as The Autism Society of Northeast Wisconsin and Bridge the Gap for Autism.
“When we were at our lowest, and financially we had nothing, and the care for a disabled child is extremely difficult and very costly — anything we could eventually do to give back was very important for us,” said Ian Wilson.
The Miracle League helped Carter play baseball. Older brother Nolan helped him as a “buddy” this past year. The Wilsons have now donated baseball cards for each player.
Years ago, Ian Wilson needed to sell possessions to ensure his family would have a happy Christmas. Now, they’re hoping to help others avoid some of those hardships they’ve endured.