Elliot’s Story: Finding her words.
We are proud to continue sharing success stories that highlight the vital importance of Regional Center services and the profound impact they have on the progress of children and their families. Today, we are highlighting Elliot Gillespie, a 2-year-old girl who began receiving early intervention services through Lanterman in August 2025.
Elliot was born two months premature and spent her first few weeks in the NICU before her family could finally bring her home. When she was around a year and a half old, her parents, Brittany and Matthew, noticed she used very few words; while she would occasionally say “Dada” or “Mama,” she was still mostly babbling. Recognizing that she needed extra support, they reached out to Lanterman Regional Center to begin the intake process.
Once connected with a service coordinator, everything moved quickly. Elliot was evaluated for both occupational and speech therapy and was soon matched with a speech therapist who now visits the family home twice a week. With only one car in the family and Elliot’s mother working outside the home, having services delivered directly to the home has been a huge relief. Elliot absolutely loves when her therapist visits, and her parents deeply appreciate having a dedicated service coordinator who works with them to get Elliot exactly what she needs.
Now almost two and a half, Elliot has made incredible strides. She has gone from using just a few words to actively speaking 10 to 15 words alongside sign language. She is articulating much more clearly and gaining the confidence she needs to express her wants and needs every single day.
Elliot’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when families are connected to the right support, at the right time, and Lanterman is honored to celebrate that progress alongside families like the Gillespies.