Bailey Robinson (left) and Maverick Helmer take a break after playing chase. — Courtesy of Julia Robinson

Bailey Robinson and Maverick Helmer are seven-year-old boys who developed a close bond with each other in first grade at Troutville Elementary School. Bailey is a child with autism who has a difficult time relating to most other children. He rarely speaks or joins in social activities with his classmates. Maverick has a special gift for understanding Bailey. He doesn't seem to need words to know when his friend wants to play or can use a hand to hold.

Maverick's mother, Dr. Tracy Helmer, says, "Maverick is very tender-hearted. When he got Bailey's birthday invitation, he was so excited to be invited to his best friend's birthday party. He really put a lot of thought into the gift." He decided that his friend would really like puzzles and a Magna Doodle. During Bailey's birthday party at Pump-It-Up, Helmer stayed with him and helped guide him the whole time. He even made sure the birthday boy kept his socks on.

According to Robinson's mother, Julia Robinson, most children hang out with each other and tend to avoid children considered "atypical" as autism is considered. It is a broad-spectrum disorder that affects her son's ability to develop and maintain relationships, communicate his wants and needs, as well as use social skills considered age-appropriate. For instance, she says that he does not have a natural concept of give and take in games or in conversation even though he has siblings -- a triplet brother and sister and an older sister.

What Maverick likes most about Bailey's friendship is that he is very nice and "really silly sometimes." They enjoy running around and chasing each other. Bailey especially enjoys being chased, caught and tickled so Maverick runs off to do just that after saying that if he could tell his friend anything, it would be "that he's my best friend."

Although Bailey is usually a loner, he will walk up to Maverick and hug him. Even when they didn't walk together, Maverick always saved a seat for his friend.

Bailey's mom says that Maverick's thoughtfulness and friendship has meant a lot to her son, and to her. The boys expected to miss seeing each other this school year; Maverick is attending North Cross and Bailey is at the Blue Ridge Autism Center.