Haylee

by Sara Raynor

Carrie and Don Bancroft knew Haylee would have some challenges since before she was born. They took responsibility for raising their granddaughter at the request of their son, Justin. Haylee’s biological parents knew they couldn’t care for her because of their own developmental delays, and didn’t want CPS to get involved, so they made the legal arrangements before the birth. Haylee only recently figured out that she is being raised by her grandparents, but she knows no other way. She is well loved and loves all her family, and her extended family. It is one of the most important things to her.

Haylee wasn’t formally diagnosed until she was 2 years old. Since they could get no straight answers from doctors in Eugene, they have been going to CDRC in Portland. The doctors there were able to give her some diagnoses to help her get services for her expressive speech disorder and behaviors. After Mercy shut down their pediatric program they were able to continue services through Connect the Dots.

Her diagnosis gave the Bancrofts relief, knowing they could get her the services she needed but they were not prepared for the autism diagnosis. They were just glad someone listened. It was harder to diagnose Haylee because the doctors said she was, “too friendly.” However, girls often show different symptoms than boys. The ASD diagnosis helped them to continue with private insurance coverage for her therapy. 

Haylee now attends Fullerton TAP (Turn Around Program) and is thriving under a wonderful teacher, Marie Leary. The Bancrofts saw a positive change in Haylee just 6 weeks into the TAP program with Ms. Leary. Haylee does great with small groups, otherwise she gets overwhelmed. When she is in school, she has a short day. Roseburg is lacking in disability friendly activities, and classes for sensory children.

Large classes are overwhelming and the stress brings out unwanted behaviors. The Bancrofts haven’t been able to find a recreational class that will accept Haylee and meet her needs. Carrie is so thankful that they have great neighbors that know them and help out. When their son, Haylee’s uncle, is in town, he takes her out for fun activities. They have regular help from one of their son’s friends who comes to spend time with Haylee when they need a break.

Haylee is a fun and energetic child. She is very curious, wanting to know everything about everything. She asks a lot of questions and loves to be the center of attention. She tells stories in her play and it is always focused around family. There is always a family in her stories: a mom, papa and baby. Her favorite toys are little figurines, babies, legos and she loves to swing. Haylee loves anything on the television. It is a great motivator for her to work on behavioral issues. The Bancrofts love to go camping. They love the beach and the redwoods together.

Haylee wants to be a Mommy when she grows up. She would love it if both of her brothers lived with them. The bancrofts have a lot of pets. They have 3 dogs, 2 cats, and even chickens and turkeys. Haylee loves the dogs and her favorite is named Baby Puppy. He is a 4 year old hound and lab mix that goes everywhere with her. When she used to sneak out and run away, he would stay with her and protect her. It is very therapeutic for her to have a dog because she doesn’t like to be by herself. Before they allowed the dog in her room, Haylee had a lot of sleep issues and wouldn’t stay in bed all night. He helps to calm her and sleeps with her at night now and that has helped her immensely, as well as her parents now getting a full night’s sleep. Carrie says that while Haylee chose the dog--and Baby Puppy is her dog--he chose her too.

Haylee recently accomplished learning to read and she is in second grade. She loves stories about animals and her parents read to her every night. Story time with Papa is a routine. The Bancrofts can’t imagine their life without Haylee. She keeps them active and busy. They wouldn't have it any other way!