Connections Beyond Words

PCL Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) at Monarch noticed that Blair lit up whenever children were around. So when DSP Kelley T. began showing him pictures of her newborn grandson a few years ago, Blair, whose spoken vocabulary is very limited, was instantly captivated. He’d smile, point, and say, “Baby. Blair refers to all children as “Baby”.

Before long, Blair was asking Kelley to see “Baby” on her phone, and as Isaiah grew, their bond blossomed through cheerful photos and quick virtual chats—smiles and waves exchanged across the screen.

Now 3½ years old, Isaiah had become a familiar and happy face to Blair. One day, Kelley asked, “Blair, would you like Baby to come visit you?”

His answer? A big, enthusiastic nod and an even bigger smile.

With care and preparation, the PCL team helped Blair and Isaiah prepare for their first in-person meeting. Blair practiced giving space so that Isaiah could come to him at his own pace, and Isaiah practiced approaching a person with gentleness.

Kelley planned the visit on a sunny day around an activity they both love—bubbles!

“Isaiah loves bubbles just like you do!” Kelley told Blair. After a quick hello, they got right into the bubbles. Blair needed a little help, so Isaiah held the wand close to Blair’s mouth and cheered him on: “Blow… blow hard!” And just like that, the air filled with shimmering bubbles—and even brighter smiles. Few words were needed. Just joy, wonder, and the magic of connection.

Since the visit, Blair has continued to ask to see “Baby,” and is practicing saying his name, “Izzy” and Isaiah has asked about “Blair.” A future visit is planned around another shared interest, “water”!