Nineteen-year-old Kyan and Jorryn Adger are twins. Born with Autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Kyan and Jorryn both have Direct Support Professionals (DSP), for respite care. Kyan works with Ruth, and Jorryn works with Reyna through Rainbows. “I got connected to Rainbows by becoming a para at the Ritchie Family Center (RFC) in January 1996,” Dana said. “I was a developmental para at Connecting Point in a program called Screens for Success. I was familiar with Rainbows and the services they offer, so when I observed some delays and signs of Autism in Kyan and Jorryn, I took them to be evaluated through a screening.”
“Kyan and Jorryn had their first screening when they were both 18-months-old,” Dana said. Kyan and Jorryn seem to do better when they are out in the community with time away from each other. “Rainbows has impacted my life because it gives me a chance to get things done,” says Dana. “Kyan and Jorryn still get to do the things that they like to do at Rainbows. They are happy, loving, and they are pursuing their dreams and aspirations,” Dana said.
Even though Kyan and Jorryn are twins, they are different from each other. Kyan loves art and hanging out with his friends, and Jorryn loves animals, enjoys volunteering at the zoo, and researching endangered animals.
Jorryn likes to watch movies, read books, and do animated art. Kyan is into history and museums. Kyan wants to work at a museum, and Jorryn wants to become a zookeeper at the zoo, working with animals. “The staff at Rainbows are really helpful, provide hope through their services, and Rainbows is a great help for families as an organization,” said Dana.
Kyan and Jorryn started receiving services in August 2007 until they were three. Then they went to the RFC from August to May 2007. “This summer, Kyan and Jorryn are receiving in-home Family Support Services through Rainbows, so I can get stuff done around the house,” said Dana.
Dana has two other children, Karlis and Judah. Karlis is 15, going on 16, and Judah is 13- years-old. Some of the things that Kyan and Jorryn like to do for fun with Dana, Karlis, and Judah are going to Exploration Place, exploring the habitats at the zoo, movie nights, and eat together as a family.
By Megan Bailey, Volunteer Writer
