Special Needs Mini-Session Part 2 | Naperville Photographer

And here is the second half of my April 9th special needs mini-sessions.  It was great to see old clients return as well as meet some new families.  It was, in all, a wonderful day!

First up is a boy I’ve photographed for the past three years, and man, has he come SO FAR.  He used to be completely non-verbal and just spin and give no eye contact.  While his speech is still  delayed, he definitely talks, and he LOVES  to smile.  He is quick, though. LOL  I’ve noticed when I photograph young children with autism, that in a few years, I really see growth.  I love all these children. How can you not with such a big smile?

And then we had to get a new one of the family.

 

Next up was a new family for me.  This little three year old was so flipping adorable.  I mean, just look at her!  She is also diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, speech delay, and a sensory processing disorder.  I don’t usually list sensory disorders, as every person with an autism diagnosis also has a sensory processing disorder.  This smiley girl never stopped smiling and did a great job following directions.

 

I love this one of her playing on the bed.

 

This next family was also new to me.  Olivia was born with a rare genetic condition affecting her right eye.  It is called micropthamalia, basically it means small eye!  At this point, research has not been able to find a cause or cure to this condition but through ocular prosthetics at a very young age (so the bones are soft enough to expand easily) cosmetic growth and a symmetrical face can be achieved.  She has been wearing a prosthetic since she was two months old, while getting a bigger one every two weeks for the first year of life. Although she is blind in her right eye she is amazing.  Walking and babbling like others her age, thanks to the help of early intervention services and her two big brothers paving the way for her.

Unfortunately, their oldest son was not feeling well on this day.  He did his best to smile, but his stomach was upset.  What a great trooper!

 

 

This next family has been coming to my special needs mini’s for a few years now.  Both boys are diagnosed with autism.  When I first met them, they were literally bouncing off the walls with extreme energy and very little verbal ability.  I have loved watching them mature and grow.  And this year, they added a baby sister to the family, as well!

 

 

These two brothers first came to me two years ago.  Since they are adults, we put them at the end of the day, so we could do something more “manly” for them.  😉  These guys crack me up.  Both times, the older brother (shorter one), Joshua, did not want to come get his picture taken.  It was dumb.  But both times, he ended up laughing with me and enjoying himself because I promised to make him look cool.    Joshua has cerebral palsy and slower mental processing, but he is super friendly.  He told me all about his job and that he is getting ready to move out from his parents.  I’m so happy for him!

His younger brother, Daniel, has autism, and also hates pictures.  It is very difficult to get a natural smile out of him, as he just wanted to go home.  But I asked him to tell me some jokes, and that got him more relaxed.  Neither of these guys are very touch feely, so getting them this close together was a bit uncomfortable for them, but they were troopers for me.

 

Since Joshua doesn’t mind getting his picture taken, I was able to get some great ones of just him.

 

What a great way to end the day!