Blog Layout

I Challenge You

Jennifer Sills • Mar 04, 2019
Belle and Melissa Burnham

by Melissa Burnham


Today is Rare disease day!!! After almost 7 years, Belle was finally diagnosed with a rare, newly founded, genetic disease called OKUR-CHUNG Neurodevelopmental syndrome ( Named after the two Scientists who discovered it.) We are so grateful for answers, and the sweet community we have gained.


I thought I’d give a little glimpse into Belle and our life with her so far.

She is our first Born and will be turning 8 this year!!!

She LOVES all things music, lights, and stimulation like swings and trampolines.

She loves her family.

Her favorite person in the world is her Bampa Cummins.

She loves to cuddle and be warm. Her Grandma Burnham just made her a beautiful weighted blanket that she loves.

She is still non-verbal besides some noises and signs.

This is the one thing I wish I could improve, so that I could better understand her needs.

She walked at the age of four. We never knew if she would, so it was huge.

She has a gastrointestinal tube (a tube that we use to put food directly her stomach. She can eat a little but not enough to survive. So grateful for modern medicine).

She is immunocompromised and gets sick often.

Which means we all get sick pretty often.

She is the sweetest spirited person I have ever met.

At times I wonder why we were given this specific trial/blessing. I often don’t feel like I am good enough for the task. I am so grateful for the chance to try my best though. I know everyone in our family is better for being near her and knowing her and most importantly serving her.

She loves making friends and parents of special needs kids are usually pretty hard to offend. So, the next time you or your child see someone with special needs while your out, I challenge you to take a minute and say hello. Ask questions. Awareness is the key to change.

Belle Burnham
FAQS RESOURCES REGISTER DONATE
Newborn Genetic Screenings

The Power of Newborn Genetic Screenings: How Newborn Genetic Screenings Can Change the Diagnosis

By Penelope Gatlin • 05 Oct, 2023
By Penelope Gatlin October 2023 When our son was born in 2012, he was hypotonic, severely jaundiced, had feeding difficulties and features such as epicanthic folds and small low set ears. We were told immediately that doctors had suspicions of a genetic syndrome. At that time, genetic testing was limited and once abnormal karyotype, Trisomy 21, and Fragile X were ruled out, we left the hospital with an 8 day old and no diagnosis. While no testing was available at that time to identify the ultra-rare syndrome my child had, because it wouldn’t even be identified until 4 years later, I can only imagine the difference it would have made to our journey to have such an answer sooner. Instead, we were unprepared and actually unaware that just because a diagnosis hadn’t been made then that it didn’t mean there wasn’t in fact a rare disease present. Instead, we dealt with issues as they came and worried and wondered what would be next. From feeding issues and reflux and constipation, to low muscle tone and delayed walking, to speech delay, social and emotional delays, toileting delays, diagnoses of developmental delay, anxiety, situational mutism, sensory processing disorder, and autism, until finally genetic testing that revealed the diagnosis that we’d waited 7 years to find out. While receiving a diagnosis can seem scary, not having an answer but knowing there must be one is even more so. In 2019, the day I clicked onto the portal to see the test results, the largest word on the page was POSITIVE. My heart stopped for a second. For the first time, I read the words “Okur-Chung Neurodevelopmental Disorder.” A roller coaster of emotions ensued, including sadness that we hadn’t known this from birth because it would have made us as parents more prepared, and given us more understanding about what might arise next. Relief that we had an answer, grateful that this syndrome had been identified and that he was among one of the first hundred diagnosed with it in the world, and glad we had the privilege to have access to the testing. Excitement that we can participate in future research. Fright that there’s so much we don’t know about OCNDS, and happiness that there is something that we do. A feeling that we are no longer shooting in the dark and have a small but supportive community to rely on and learn from. I am hopeful that one day, all newborns with features like my child will be tested at birth, so parents can have access to the answers, support, and interventions and therapies that can best help their child as soon as possible.
Autism Diagnosis

Why I Should Have Gotten the Autism Diagnosis for My Child Early On (or Why I Did Not)

By Terri Jordan • 23 Aug, 2023
For 16 years, my child displayed numerous symptoms that left us searching for answers, but a genetic diagnosis remained elusive. I considered having my child evaluated for autism to shed light on their situation. However, when I reached out to teachers, doctors, and therapists, I received frustrating responses: “Your child is too friendly to be autistic.” This statement made me doubt the possibility of autism because my child was sociable. “Your child can transition from one activity to another – they are not autistic.” Hearing this, I questioned whether my child’s ability to shift activities invalidated the need for an autism evaluation. “Your child can look me in the eye and answer questions – they are not autistic.” Observations like this made me second-guess the idea of autism, even though my child faced various challenges. “Getting a diagnosis that does not apply to your child would be a big waste of money.” Despite my persistent concerns, this cautionary advice about the evaluation costs left me hesitant. We finally pursued an evaluation when my son turned 20, and it confirmed that he is indeed on the autism spectrum (severe side). Looking back, I regret not taking this step sooner. I should have pursued the autism diagnosis before we received the genetic diagnosis. There are several benefits we could have gained as a family if we had pursued an early diagnosis: “Early Support Is Crucial:” I now realize that early intervention could profoundly impact my child’s development. We could have accessed the right services and therapies much earlier with a diagnosis. “Understanding My Child Better:” I struggled to comprehend my child’s behaviors and communication difficulties. An earlier diagnosis could have provided insights into their unique needs and thought processes. The education could also help me explain how to react to my child’s behavior to family members. “Tailored Guidance and Resources:” A diagnosis could have opened doors to specialized resources and guidance, enabling me to provide the best possible support for my child. “Connecting with Others:” Being part of the autism community might have connected us with other parents who understand our experiences. Sharing and learning from each other could have been invaluable. “Planning for the Future:” Knowing more about my child’s strengths and challenges could have helped me better plan their future, including education, career, and overall well-being. Depending on your location, many states offer funding and support if your child has an autism diagnosis. I wish I listened to my voice instead of being swayed by experts who didn’t fully understand my child’s situation. Ultimately, I know this decision is significant, requiring careful consideration by parents. Looking back, I wish I had trusted my instincts and sought an evaluation sooner to improve my child’s life.
Share by: