DIALOGUE A Quarterly Publication of the Regional Center of Orange County VOLUME 40 NO. 1 • WINTER 2026
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
The Savoji Family MANY PARENTS WITH A CHILD IN THE EARLY START EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM CAN RECALL THE EXACT MOMENT THEY FELT SOMETHING WASN’T QUITE RIGHT WITH THEIR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT. For Blake Savoji and her husband Bijan -- whose daughter Saylor had previously been hitting all of her developmental milestones -- that moment was particularly dramatic. Blake was eight-and-a-half months pregnant with now-six-monthold daughter Brighton and the family was enjoying a vacation in Hawaii when 19-month old Saylor suddenly experienced a seizure and was rushed to the hospital. Saylor underwent numerous tests in Hawaii -- including a CTscan which showed the white matter in her brain was gone – and even more tests after she was airlifted back to Southern California hospitals. Ultimately, she was diagnosed with an exceptionally rare genetic disorder called vanishing white matter disease, along with epilepsy and developmental regression. The family was enjoying a vacation in Hawaii when 19-month old Saylor suddenly experienced a seizure and was rushed to the hospital. Blake Savoji with her daughter Though she had previously been developing normally, it is Saylor. believed some sort of triggering event brought on the disease, which then can produce seizures. In spite of her complex medical and developmental issues, and the fact that the disease regressed her physical and cognitive development to that of a one-month-old, Saylor is a happy child. Blake notes her daughter loves being held and has responded very well to the infant stimulation program, physical therapy and occupational therapy she receives through RCOC. “The infant stimulation has made her more alert and aware. She’s able to focus her eyes and holds eye contact better,” Blake said. “After therapy, she’s so happy and able to move better. There’s a lot of joy in those moments.” Cont. on Page 7 PAGE 1 • DIALOGUE • WINTER 2026 • RCOCDD.COM