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Home : About
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Begins Discovery Begins
Finally, a few precious months before he turned 3,
my grandson's daycare center recommended an early intervention program; Child and Family
Connections and they directed us to Horizons. The therapist
did a thorough
evaluation and recommended speech and occupational therapy.
After a long
search, we found the Center for
Speech and Language Disorders. His therapist persevered through 40 minutes of tantrum to get in 5
minutes of therapy. Each week, she got less tantrum and more therapy.
During
this time, he also had ear surgery by Dr. Belazario
which allowed him to hear by
placing tubes in his ears. Finally, my grandson began speaking through smiles, instead of screaming through tears.
Now that he could speak
He needed to catch up academically and socially. We discovered,
First Step and Head Start available at a
local elementary school. We reviewed his
rights and developed an Individual Education Plan (IEP).
He adapted to the programs rather quickly but still had significant
delays.
I
began an intense search for a developmental specialist that could
advise me on behavior modification
techniques. I found Dr. Phelan's book 123 Magic....great book, easy
read with great ideas. But I wanted a live person. In my many calls I stumbled
across the Local Area Network
(LAN) Wrap Around Coordinator and we made an appointment just to talk things out.
We survived our first experience of being outcast
with the help of Dr. Brown, LAN Wrap Around Coordinator
At
the same time, his previous daycare center chronically complained (despite my many attempts to
train their staff). We agreed one night they were not equipped to handle his
special needs, ironically it was the same night as my meeting with
the LAN. I walked into Dr. Brown's office with tears streaming down my
cheeks. I worked full time, what was I going to do for daycare? My
panic spiraled me down until Dr. Brown started speaking, reassuring me
that he knew several parents and children who, with his help survived
worse. He gave me a referral to Metropolitan
Family Services. We also made a workable to-do list. I left his
office with dry eyes and new found strength and determination to
advocate for my grandson always and all ways!
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