Brandon M, age 3

Photograph by Tonya Rangel (2022)
Even though he has only been in this world for just three years, Brandon Malcolm has already overcome many obstacles and has grown in many ways. “Brandon has come so far with speech and motor development,” says Brandon’s mother, Adrienne. “We are especially proud of him completing occupational therapy earlier this year—he mastered everything!” Adrienne wants the world to be just as proud of her little boy as she is.
 
Brandon has sensory processing disorder, but thanks to speech therapy and a loving family, Brandon can now speak in full sentences and enjoys physical affection like hugs—things that were once challenges for him. “I know he can do anything he puts his mind to,” Adrienne says.
 
When Brandon is not working hard to achieve his goals, he loves playing with toy cars, Legos and jumping on his trampoline. Adrienne says the best word to describe him is as a “firecracker.”
 
“I want everyone to see him as the determined, sweet, caring, beautiful child Brandon is”, she says.
Aunque sólo lleva tres años en este mundo, Brandon Malcolm ya ha superado muchos obstáculos y ha crecido en muchos aspectos. “Brandon ha llegado muy lejos con el desarrollo del habla y la motricidad”, dice la madre de Brandon, Adrienne. “Estamos especialmente orgullosos de que haya terminado la terapia ocupacional a principios de este año: ¡lo dominó todo!”. Adrienne quiere que el mundo esté tan orgulloso de su pequeño como ella.
 
Brandon padece un trastorno de procesamiento sensorial, pero gracias a la logopedia y a una familia cariñosa, ahora puede hablar con frases completas y disfruta del afecto físico, como los abrazos, cosas que antes eran un reto para él. “Sé que puede hacer cualquier cosa que se proponga”, dice Adrienne.
 
Cuando Brandon no está trabajando duro para conseguir sus objetivos, le encanta jugar con coches de juguete, Legos y saltar en su cama elástica. Adrienne dice que la mejor palabra para describirlo es “petardo”.
 
“Quiero que todo el mundo lo vea como el niño decidido, dulce, cariñoso y hermoso que es Brandon”, dice.

Family Connection of South Carolina provides services and resources to families who have a child with a disability or specialized healthcare need. Since 1990 we have served more than 100,000 families and today our services are needed more than ever. We focus on parent-to-parent support, guidance with navigating the complex healthcare system, and assistance with school meetings and special education plans.