Mallory often says her son Clark is perfect, loved, important, and “exactly who our family needs.” She calls him her “pizzazz baby” because he was born during the pandemic, on her wedding anniversary to her husband Collin, with a diagnosis of Down syndrome and multiple heart defects.
She suspected he also had a visual impairment because he wasn’t interested in toys.
After three months in the hospital, they learned he had strabismus, nystagmus, and hyperopia. “I was relieved that we had some answers and could get the resources he needed to be successful. Another piece to the puzzle that’s Clark!”
The family began working with their teacher from A Shared Vision in December 2021. “She helped us take our routines up a notch,” explained Mallory. When the family made pumpkin pie play dough during one of their visits, their teacher showed Mallory how to use verbal descriptions about the color, smell, and texture of the dough to make the experience richer for Clark. “Our teacher helped me feel empowered as a parent and reassured me that we have the tools we need to support him as he transitions to preschool in the fall,” said Mallory.
“Clark has taught us many things about where value comes from,” added Mallory. “People matter, not achievements or milestones. He has taught us to slow down and savor life’s little moments and to find joy in unexpected places.”
Mallory and Collin have become such strong advocates for Clark that they want to help other parents in a similar situation. Mallory is studying to become an Early Childhood Education Special Education Specialist, and Collin is giving other dads “a seat at the table” with his podcast, “Just Some Dads,” which can be found on Spotify or Apple podcasts. “I just want to give those parents a hug and tell them there is so much good coming!”, said Mallory.
