We love to share stories about the families we support. This particular family melted our hearts with their playful son Declan and his two sisters Mackenzie and Peyton.
Read on to hear more about their experience with Developmental Pathways and the Early Intervention Department from mom, Jen.
Hello, we are the Barney family: Adam, Jen, Mackenzie (8), Peyton (3), and Declan (1 1/2). Developmental Pathways has become a big part of our lives since Declan was born. We chose not to have prenatal testing. So, we learned that Declan has Down Syndrome when he was born. We chose the name Declan because it means “full of goodness.” We couldn’t have picked a better name for our sweet boy!
Developmental Pathways came into our home when Declan was about a month old to perform an evaluation. Everyone was so lovely and made it such a happy, positive experience! Alex has been Declan’s service coordinator since day one and we are so blessed to have her in our lives! She worked so hard pairing us with Declan’s therapists and making sure everything goes well.
I knew from my own and others’ experiences how important it was for Declan to make progress through Early Intervention. So, Declan started with weekly physical therapy when he was just 3 months old and now he’s crawling and pulling up to stand while holding onto the couch and walking along with the couch! He is so close to standing independently! We have also been working with a speech therapist weekly for a couple of months now and Declan can now sign “more”, “all done” and “eat”! We’re currently working on “milk.”
Early intervention and Developmental Pathways have been a huge part of our lives for the past year and a half and we are thankful every day for all that they do! There is no doubt in my mind that Declan is destined for greatness in his life and that Developmental Pathways and his amazing therapists have been a big part in paving that path for him!
Special shout out to our favorite photographer Paige Gradishar for these beautiful photos. See more of her work by visiting her website.
Share your story with us at support-communications@nmscolo.org.
Be sure to visit our Community Impact page, or read more Family Stories to hear more about the other incredible families we have the privilege to support.