Juliecia from Alabama

Juliecia, born February 2007, is a sweet and loving child. Juliecia has been diagnosed with Oto-Palatal-Digital Syndrome and Asperger’s. Oto-Palato-Digital Syndrome causes your facial features, as well as hands and feet to be positioned in the wrong place. Some of Juliecia’s facial features and hands and feet are misplaced. Typically, those diagnosed are non-verbal and have developmental delays, which is true for Juliecia. Juliecia also has seizures but has only had one in the last year. They are controlled by medication that she takes daily. She attends elementary school and receives special education accommodations. Despite all of the challenges that Juliecia has faced and continues to face she is a sweet and loving child. She enjoys the simplest things like bubbles. Juliecia has mastered many skills at school and with the dedication of her teachers she continues to master more and more each year. Juliecia is not potty trained but that is something that we all continue to work with her on and feel she has the capacity to learn. Even now, she will bring you a pull-up or her bag when she has used the bathroom. Juliecia is non-verbal but can use “I want” picture cards, as well as her iPad to communicate. Juliecia will also take you by the hand and lead you to what she wants. She has receptive language skills demonstrated by her ability to follow simple commands/directions and she is responsive to her name. She loves music and games/toys that make sound. She loves bubbles. Juliecia also loves to smile. In the past Juliecia had issues with eating, but for the past six months or so that has not been an issue. Juliecia eats more now than she ever has. Juliecia has also had issues sleeping through the night, but with Melatonin that is no longer an issue. Juliecia is a very active child and will need ample space to run and play. Overall, Juliecia is a very loving child. She may be a bit shy until she gets to know you, but once she does you will see a wonderful child. She will need continued care as she gets older. Those of us that have been working with Juliecia over the years have seen the vast improvements she has made and the potential she has. *Photograph and video provided courtesy of www.heartgalleryalabama.com