Disabled iPad Air not connected to wifi and isn't recognized by PC or MAC when plugged in

I have an iPad Air that I bought for my autistic son. We set it up without a password, because he doesn't understand how to use a password. It worked fine for months, but somehow he either got into settings and added a password, or it's disabled for another reason. He's non-verbal and cannot read or write, so if he added a password, I'm sure it was random numbers/letters and we'll never know the password. So, I have researched the steps to take in a case of disabled iPads, however, the iPad Air has a different interface and cable. We never backed it up because it was for an autistic child for a specific app, and there was nothing that would need to be backed up. When I connect the iPad Air to my MAC running OS Monterey (most recent at the time of this post), it does not see the iPad, nor does the iPad react other than to say it's charging (same on PC). I'm thinking it's because it's locked/disabled? So, this rules out the connect to itune's and the "recovery mode" option. I was hopeful that the "find my iPhone" option would work, however it is not connected to wifi, so that is not possible. Either because it is disabled, or maybe it's just not allowed on the iPad Air, I cannot swipe down to enable wifi (when I swipe down nothing happens, when I swipe up it's the login screen). The only allowed screens are the Lock Screen with the word "Regulatory" and the device serial number, and the login screen (attached screen shots). Also, the screens alternates languages randomly like it hasn't been set up. I have changed a password on an iPhone XR using the iCloud password, but that is not an option here. I have exhausted all the ways I know and have found online to unlock this iPad, and have been unsuccessful. I get that security is important, but there has to be a better way to let owners get back into their own devices. That being said, please share any other ideas you may have. Otherwise, I have a very expensive paper weight. I appreciate any help!