Sydney

This is Sydney. I met Sydney through the Littlest Heroes Project. Sydney is 15, and has Rett Syndrome. Rett Syndrome is on the Autism Spectrum, and is often initially diagnosed as autism. But autism is unusual in girls. Rett on the other hand, is rarely found in boys. In addition to typical autism symptoms, like lack of eye contact and loss of verbal communication, Rett usually affects the motor skills more severely than autism. Girls with Rett constantly wring their hands and clap. They usually lose the ability walk, if they ever learned in the first place. Sydney is one of the rare ones that never lost her ability to walk.

When I met Sydney yesterday, she was very excited about the session. She ran up to me and leaned against me with her forehead. Apparently, this is her version of a hug. I was touched, as her mom says she usually has to get to know someone before she does this. Her mom had laid out numerous outfits, and I helped her choose a few for the session. We started the session near a lake and some flower gardens, and wrapped it up at the pool. Sydney loves the pool! And to make it even better, there was a band playing at the pool last night, and she LOVES music.

Sydney's playful personality came out, and it was like a game to her...how long would I wait with the camera poised, for her to look at me? I would wait, and wait. And then, just as I would lower the camera, she would flash a grin my way and laugh!

I won't lie and say this was an easy session--it wasn't. Sydney's condition means she can't just follow instructions to sit and smile for the camera. Getting her to look my direction was very difficult. Getting her to smile simultaneously was nearly impossible. But oh man, when she did--it was amazing! And so worth the effort.

To find out more about Rett Syndrome, and what you can do to help girls like Sydney and their families, visit this website: Rett Syndrome