Daniel has severe autism, and for years he struggled to connect with the world around him.

Today, he's building a purposeful future, one smile at a time. You're invited to be part of it.

Daniel's Story

Daniel loves making people smile. But when he was young, connecting with other people seemed impossible.

As a child with severe Autism, Daniel has experienced many challenges. He couldn't tell us what he needed or make sense of the world around him. And that confusion often came out in ways that were painful for him and for us.

Over the course of 10 years, teachers, therapists, and doctors — whom we came to call "Team Daniel" — helped him learn to communicate his needs and control his emotions.

Today, Daniel's spirit is filled with peace and joy, and he leaves a trail of smiles everywhere he goes. At Walmart. At Aldi. At church. With fist bumps, high-fives, handshakes, and hugs.

There aren't many clear paths for kids like Daniel. So we're building one — and we'd love for you to join us.

Every smile you're about to see was once impossible.

Our Mission

Smiles Start With Me is our family’s mission to help our severely autistic son, Daniel, build a purposeful future by creating opportunities to learn, work, and serve others.

As Daniel grows, he’s spreading smiles and inspiring others to choose kindness and inclusion.

Every purchase creates another opportunity for Daniel to build life skills that will transform his future.

Wear the Mission

The Smiles Speak for Themselves

  • Pam Griffin

    "The smiles that Daniel inspires are the true picture of God's goodness and faithfulness. You have no idea how much joy it brings me to see Daniel's beautiful smile given freely to all around him. He gives me much hope!"

  • Donny Mayo

    "I love seeing how much Daniel enjoys life. Knowing that he and his family have worked so diligently and trusted the Lord so faithfully in order for him to enjoy life like he does sure makes me smile!"

  • Jason Pyron

    "Daniel brings a smile to my face every time I see him! His kind greeting and big smile makes my day!"

Smiles Are Spreading

Hundreds of shirts have already been sold across America. Will your state be next?

National Smiles Start With Me Day

On April 11, people across the country, from California to Florida, wore their shirts and intentionally made others smile—just like Daniel!

Every Shirt Builds Something Real.

We love helping Daniel learn new skills—whether it's folding shirts, vacuuming his room, or baking brownies.

Each new skill opens a door to something bigger: confidence, independence, and purpose.

Because of Daniel's severe Autism, the things many take for granted can take him months, or even years, to learn. This means we must be creative, patient, and intentional as we help him grow.

But this is about more than learning skills.

As Daniel approaches adulthood, we've realized something important:

There aren't many clear paths for children like him.

So, instead of waiting for options...We're building one.

When you buy a shirt, you're not just supporting a project.

You're building Daniel's future.

Wear the Mission