Meet Jordyn, Our 2009/2010 Champion Child

Chrissy Latimer could not have asked for a better pregnancy. She felt great throughout and everything developed normally. Chrissy remembers the day her baby girl was born. She was the most peaceful newborn Chrissy had ever seen.

Jordyn grew into a happy baby who loved the camera. “She would smile at a remote if you held it up, thinking it was a camera,” said Chrissy.

By her first birthday, Jordyn was toddling around like any other child but at 18 months of age, Chrissy noticed some curious changes. Jordyn had a tendency to flap her hands and hum to herself. She rarely made eye contact with those around her.

A trip to the pediatrician around that time also revealed that Jordyn’s vocabulary was stunted. She spoke only 10-15 words, while children her age were typically speaking 300. The most distressing fact: she could not convey her most basic needs.

Chrissy and Jordyn were referred to Children’s Hospital, where they met with a caring team of doctors and staff. Jordyn was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Chrissy felt as though her world was crashing down around her. She worried about obstacles her daughter would face, especially communicating - not only with the world around her, but her own family.

Luckily, the Children’s Hospital was there when they needed it most. Since 2005, Jordyn has been an outpatient of the Child Development Clinic, using the occupational and physiotherapy and speech pathology services. At first, Jordyn could only say a few words. Now at the age of six, she has learned hundreds more.

Without the early intervention and the wonderful staff at the Children’s Hospital, Jordyn would not be where she is today, and I certainly would not have the bond we have now,” said Chrissy.