Words by Olivia Minnier and photos by Kelly Jacoby

A vibrant, nearly three-year-old girl, struts across her family’s living room to give her mom tea. Pretend tea from a plastic play set, but the pizazz and grandeur are present for the young girl, proud of her offering to her mom.

For Sydney Adams, who turns three this month, communication has improved drastically since receiving a referral from Help Me Grow, a part of DCBDD’s Early Childhood Intervention program. Sydney qualified with a speech delay.

Parents Kelly and Shad Adams said they felt their daughter could understand language as she was responding with non-verbal gestures instead of speaking.

The family embraced speech therapy services in their home through DCBDD’s primary coaching services.

Embedded primary coaching sets up the family with tools to help their child.

“The family is the change agent, this is where the work really happens,” said DCBDD Developmental Specialist and Sydney’s Primary Provider, Deborah Lee.

Lee has imbedded herself into the Adams home and seamlessly coaches Kelly and Shad while Sydney plays with her brother, Oliver. Sydney trusts Lee and doesn’t alter her behavior when she’s present.

Kelly said Lee exceeded her expectations. “She helped me meet Sydney where she was in the moment and in her training,” she said.

Through the services Sydney received, Lee and the Adam’s family discovered when movement is paired with language, Sydney adapts well and retains information better.

Sydney’s brother, Oliver has also gotten very involved and been present in sessions, so he is aware of what Sydney is making connections to.

The family has been thrilled with Sydney’s progress and the impact has been especially noticeable with her expressiveness.

“She has a voice and contributes as much as she can to activities and family talks or get togethers. It is amazing the progress and confidence she has and so many family [members] and friends notice, and comment on that,” said Kelly.