Meet Dave Taylor
Dave Taylor knows firsthand the value of a parent-to-parent connection. His son was diagnosed with a chromosomal microdeletion at about six months old. Taylor and his wife Anna had already started physical therapy services for their son due to concerns about development. The therapist suggested they see a neurologist, who diagnosed the condition.
They searched for information and came across Encircle Families (Raising Special Kids at the time). They called and right away were offered a connection with another parent of a child with a similar diagnosis. “We learned a lot about life with a child with this condition and got some tips and tricks. Getting help from Encircle Families was a huge part of us feeling OK” about their son’s diagnosis, Taylor said.
Though it was the family’s first experience with a diagnosis, it wasn’t their last. Their son was later diagnosed with autism. Taylor and his family continued to gain support and knowledge from Encircle Families.
One spring at the annual Special Day for Special Kids event, Taylor was recruited to become a Parent Leader. In this role, he receives requests to connect with parents, especially dads facing new diagnoses with their children.
Taylor also volunteers with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix, coordinating their Dads Support Group which alternates between online and in-person meetings at locations around the Valley and has about 200 men involved in its events and online chat group,
The group provides a place for dads who don’t want to be the only guy at support group gatherings, Taylor added. “Dads can feel isolated,” he said. “Women usually make up a majority of support group members. Guys need a place where they can express emotions that they might not want to express with their wives or partners.”
Taylor and his family live in Scottsdale and he’s the executive producer of streaming for Fox 10. He enjoys playing pickleball, watching movies and spending time with his family and friends.
He encourages parents to consider becoming parent leaders or volunteering in other ways. “It’s a lot easier than people think to make a difference,” he said. “Sometimes people need to be listened to, sometimes they need to commiserate or they might need someone to offer solutions. Volunteering is a great way to learn more about resources and help your own kids as you help other families.”