Virginia Youth Honored as TIME’s Kid of the Year for Autism Support Initiative
Nine-year-old Ledger from Virginia was named TIME's Kid of the Year for creating "LGM Bags." These specialized bags contain sensory-friendly items and communication tools designed to help first responders comfort and better assist children with autism during emergencies. Ledger conceived…
Lafayette, IN, November 10, 2026 — A nine-year-old from Virginia has been recognized by TIME magazine as its Kid of the Year for an initiative aimed at improving emergency response for children with autism. Ledger, the young innovator, developed “LGM Bags,” a project designed to provide essential tools for first responders.
The “LGM Bags” are specialized kits containing sensory-friendly items and communication aids. Their primary purpose is to assist emergency personnel in comforting and effectively assisting children with autism who may be experiencing distress during critical situations.
The concept for the LGM Bags originated with Ledger himself. He demonstrated initiative by using his own personal funds to finance the creation of the initial prototypes. Following their development, these bags have been distributed to various locations, reaching communities across multiple states.
Ledger’s recognition as TIME’s Kid of the Year highlights the impact of his efforts to support a vulnerable population during emergencies. The initiative provides practical resources for first responders, facilitating more compassionate and effective interactions with children on the autism spectrum.
Story summarized from the original created by Sarah Chakales, Jordan Gartner on www.wlfi.com, see more information here.
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