KENOSHA, Wis. — When Francesca Kolens learned her son, Gavin, had autism at just 17 months old, doctors warned her he might never talk or be fully included in school life.

But Gavin proved those predictions wrong, thanks to the support of one very special friend.

"As a parent having a child with autism, you always wonder, would he be included, will he be able to go to places? I never really had a chance to worry about it because Dawson’s always been in his life," Kolens said. "With Gavin‘s autism, I love him so much."

Gavin and Dawson met in kindergarten and have been best friends ever since. Now students at Tremper High School, the two are still side by side — this time on the sidelines. Dawson got Gavin involved as the head coach of the school’s girls’ Powderpuff football team.

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