Caspian Smith
Meet Caspian
Hurt to Help are incredibly honoured to announce our next recipient Caspian Smith.
Caspian’s journey hasn’t been easy. From as early as 6 months old when he would not eat solid foods and struggled to reach developmental milestones. His parents knew something wasn’t right — but their concerns were dismissed again and again. Thanks to their determination, Caspian was eventually diagnosed with autism, and later with a rare genetic condition called SYNGAP1 syndrome.
SYNGAP1 syndrome is a rare neurological disorder caused by a mutation in the SYNGAP1 gene — a gene critical for brain development. It often leads to developmental delays, speech challenges, intellectual disability, epilepsy, and autism traits. There is currently no cure.
For Caspian, epilepsy has been one of the hardest battles. It started subtly, with eye-rolling mistaken for stimming, but soon escalated into dangerous drop seizures — sometimes hundreds a day. His family rushed him to hospital after hospital, trialing multiple medications before finding one that could reduce the seizures, even slightly.
But despite everything, Caspian shines.
He finds calm in water, joy in music and dancing, and adventure on the trampoline with his big sister. His laugh is contagious. His spirit is unshakable.
Hurt to Help’s support is going towards bathroom improvements needed to accommodate Caspian’s difficulties with motor and sensory processing. These include a walk-in shower that is accessible for his commode, along with non-slip flooring, to greatly reduce the risk of injury to Caspian, his mother, and his support workers.
Bright lights, cold surfaces, and loud fans can be overwhelming and distressing. A sensory-friendly bathroom with calming lighting, temperature control, and quiet ventilation would make hygiene routines far more manageable for him. This renovation isn’t just about accessibility it’s about giving Caspian the dignity, independence, and care he deserves, while also easing the immense daily challenges faced by his loving mother.
Thank you so much to everyone who continues to support Hurt to Help in any way, together we are changing lives.
