(WWBT/Gray News) - A Virginia boy has been named TIME's Kid of the Year thanks to his role in helping first responders better comfort children with autism.

Nine-year-old Ledger is getting honored for his work, which has included working alongside Henrico County firefighters, paramedics and police officers.

First responders in Henrico have been deploying a new set of specialized tools designed to comfort and improve communication with patients on the autism spectrum during emergency calls with the help of Ledger.