In November 2015, Anna Turning had an idea to create a group that would connect special needs families to help them locate hard-to-find, rare, discontinued or unique items or toys. It began making an impact immediately. Individuals with autism, in particular, often fixate on certain objects of items for comfort. When those items are broken or lost, it creates an impossible situation at home filled with meltdowns, crying and non-stop requests to have that item again. Many special needs individuals seem to love watching product videos online and often they see items that spark their interest and “need to have” immediately. That kicks off a quest and search by their family to try and locate the item for them and restore peace and harmony in the household.

That’s where Special Wants: A Bacon and Juice Boxes Project comes into the picture. This group has connected families across the world to find many different types of items. It may have been to find a special blanket that has worn away to threads, a favorite article of clothing in a larger size because the child won’t wear anything else, or a new toy because theirs was lost or broken. The group is the most amazing place on the internet and has extremely amazing searching skills to try and help families identify “manufacturer” or store where something was sold so it might be easier to find. And of course, we always love to see when a “match” is made and a request is fulfilled.

Special Wants Inc. has grown into a 501c3 organization with a mission to deliver sensory items, gifts and a sense of community to families in the U.S.A. who are caring for loved ones with special needs during the holiday season and throughout the year.