Sam and Chester

How a mischievous pig transformed the life of a boy with autism

When Sam Bailey-Merritt was just two years old, almost overnight he lost the ability to communicate or function. His mother, Jo, was at a loss as to what to do as she saw her son grow increasingly isolated and begin to suffer from uncontrollable meltdowns. Eventually, Sam was diagnosed with autism.

Sam’s condition continued to worsen and, just when Jo had all but given up hope of being able to help him, the family…