‘It’s Not If DCF Is Going to Be Called…It’s When’: How Cases Like Justina Pelletier’s Have Parents With Children Who Have Unusual Conditions Afraid

‘It’s Not If DCF Is Going to Be Called…It’s When’: How Cases Like Justina Pelletier’s Have Parents With Children Who Have Unusual Conditions Afraid

Gabriella True’s son Timmy didn’t walk until one month before he turned 3 years old. He used to hide under his high chair and even his crib was tented to give him the comfort of the enclosed feeling he sought. Sometimes Timmy would contort his body into what True calls a “tripod” — essentially he would do the downward dog yoga pose but would also gently press his head on the floor for up to 15 minutes at a time. Even more disturbing to the mother of the boy thought to be deaf was when she would pick him up from his special class and he wouldn’t acknowledge her presence.