Dane Ortiz

What makes Dane Xtraordinary to you?

My son has limited verbal skills and speaks mostly with gestures and with expressions and some words. It took the lockdown and going to virtual school for us to finally understand him fully. He can read, he can write, and he has a lot to say. Dane is funny, sweet, and kind. He has a very strong sense of right and wrong. He never wants anyone to be unhappy or sad. He thinks everyone deserves to live their lives in a way that makes them the most happy. Like with many of our kiddos, he has a lot of barriers that keep him from doing things. He’d love to travel but severe anxiety keeps him from getting on a plane. That being said, he loves Disneyland and goes as often as he can. Though he only stays for his favorite rides! Small world is his favorite especially the “Mexican” part because it reminds him of the Mexican half of his family. He is such a Disneyland fan (we all are) that he once gave someone advice on how to navigate the entire park including recommending rides he knows are good but won’t ride! I was floored! I can’t even begin to explain how much his being able to communicate has opened him to us and opened him to the world. He’s very smart and beats his behavior therapist at Reverse and checkers almost every time! I was a single mom most of his young life, but he is very lucky to have had strong role models in my dad and my new husband he calls “New Dad.”

Special Facts:

He loves going to Disneyland! He loves cheeseburgers of all kinds. His favorite colors are blue and green.

How has the NFXF helped you or your family?

We feel more connected to others. Few seem to know about Fragile X and we have no one near us who has it or that we know has it. I often have to educate doctors about risks for me. So it’s nice to have a resource. Someone to back my claims when no one else believes me.—Nicole Morris