DDD Member Flexes New Communication Skills, Named MVP in AllStars Youth Championship

Max is an energetic nine-year-old who loves football. While football gives him an outlet for his energy, it also allows him to put into practice his growing communication skills. Being part of a team requires open and ongoing communication, and it's the perfect opportunity to put into practice the skills he's learned through the speech and habilitation services he receives from the DES Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).

The habilitation services Max receives are communications-oriented. His goals focus on social cues, working with others, teamwork, learning how to lose, and expressing himself-all of which are invaluable on the gridiron. "Obviously, he's making great strides in those areas," said his mother, Lina. "[Previously] he had a hard time with some of the team sports - it's tough if you can't communicate effectively."

His habilitation provider, Jacob, has been with Max for six months, but the two have already formed a friendship. Lina describes Jacob as active, with a good attitude, and fun for Max to play with. "He keeps Max on task. He helps him when he's having a meltdown, or if he's having issues understanding things. [Jacob] is just incredible."

Twice a week, Max also receives speech therapy. He and his therapist, Sarah, read stories together, then they often craft something that ties into the story. Recently, during the Easter holidays, they read "The Great Egg Escape" and crafted and decorated paper cut-out eggs. Sarah has been working with Max for five years, and Lina feels they've been fortunate to have providers who have been with Max for a long time.

According to Lina, the family's experience with DDD services has been "excellent." She commends Colette, their DDD Support Coordinator. When the family was having a difficult time finding providers, Colette suggested Lina contact Arizona Autism who are pediatric therapy specialists. That's how Jacob came on board Max's DDD team.

While Max has been doing well in school with improved reading and writing, it's football that is his passion. He's an encyclopedia of football facts and player statistics, and a devoted fan of the San Francisco 49ers football team.

"I want to play football because I love sports," said Max. "I wanted to try it out because my brother plays." He started playing in July 2023 with the East Valley Bulls Youth Football team, which is part of the National Youth Sports organization. In his first season, the rookie was named the Bulls' "Lineman of the Year." When the season was over at the end of October, all the players were invited to try out for the AllStars team. Max competed and was selected to play in the Southwest Youth Football AllStars Showcase in February 2024 in El Paso, Texas. His AllStars team won the tournament, and Max was named Lineman Most Valuable Player!

Lina credits DDD providers for helping Max become a successful team player and student. "He's learned to express himself a lot more." Together, Max, his family and DDD make a winning team!

Interested in how the DDD team can help your child with a developmental disability achieve their goals? Learn about services for DDD members and families on our website.

April 23, 2024

Lyn Riley