June 2004

Every year near graduation time I receive letters or e-mails from families whose children were part of the practice at some time. This year I received a letter from Carol W. a mother whose son Gary was seen by me 21 years ago. I was so touched by this correspondence that I asked her if I may share it with all of you. Of course, she agreed. Some background information on Gary and his family: Gary has cerebral palsy, spastic quadriplegia. He came to my practice when he was six months old. He went through the typical physical therapy, crying each session, while both parents sat with tears in their eyes. I knew even then that he was smart, I was able to see it in his eyes, even at this young age. Gary began talking in sentences at age two. He was uncooperative, a fighter, a hitter, a biter, a screamer, and I knew he was very smart…I could see it in his eyes. Gary had multiple orthopedic surgeries, braces, walkers, crutches, and canes. His parents got divorced. His mom eventually re-married and they moved out of the area. When he left the practice he was walking independently, not pretty, but walking without any assistive devices. Here is Carol's letter:

Hi Suzan,


I don't know if you will remember me or Gary, it has been years since you treated him. I found you by your website. Sounds like you are doing great. Wow your practice has grown. I thought you would like to know about Gary. He is twenty two years old and has just graduated from college! (hey, never thought he would, but he did). He graduated cum laude with a degree in graphic design! (hey, never thought he could but he did). He has a girlfriend (never thought he would but he does) and he is driving (never thought he would be able to but he is) to Boston with his girlfriend to look for a job. I am including some graduation pictures. I know I am his mom but I think he has turned out great and is very handsome. He still walks with his "CP" gait but does not use crutches. He is still as feisty as ever and you cannot tell him anything (which is why he is driving cross country to Boston with a girl and without a job). Oh well, who would have thought he would have made it this far. You always said he was smart and if we could channel his behavior positively there would be no stopping him. Thanks for everything. I will keep you posted on his travels.

Sincerely,
Carol

I know not everyone will reach this level of success, but I hope that each of you will find the best in your children, and marvel at their accomplishments, no matter how small they may be. And who knows…maybe one day you, like Carol, will be saying "hey, never thought he would, but he did".    Suzan

Summer is a great time to deviate from the normal routine and therapy schedule by including those outdoor activities such as swimming, playgrounds, biking...etc.
Your goal for these activities should indeed be recreational and fun, however, it certainly would not hurt to have some therapeutic goals as well. Ask your therapist to help you implement some activities that would be advantageous to your child's specific needs. Water is an excellent medium to improve flexibility, strength and balance for children with neurological conditions. If is warm enough, it may also help with tone reduction. Moving a body part under water also provides excellent resistance which translates into improved strength. For children with sensory integration deficits, water is a wonderful tactile and vestibular experience. Use equipment such as inner tubes, kick boards, "noodles", Frisbees, balls, and sinkable toys to aide in therapy. For children with oral motor weakness, one can use blowing ping pong balls in the water, blowing bubbles in the water and other activities that enhance the muscles in the face.

Continue to be on the lookout for playgrounds that provide variety. Encourage vestibular stimulation by introducing movement through swings, slides, merry go rounds, teeter-totters, see-saws and rocking horses. If your child has a physical disability there are several adaptive playgrounds in the area that accommodate wheelchairs and/or crawling. Otherwise, get on the equipment with your child and enjoy!

Summer is also the perfect time to introduce roller skating and biking. Remember helmets! Many companies have a variety of adaptive bikes for those who are in need and I think this is a wonderful investment for your family. Biking, whether self propelled, or assisted by a parent, allows for strengthening of the lower extremities, reciprocal movement of the legs, and excellent socialization in the neighborhood. If you need help deciding on the right bike, please ask your therapist.

Magic Tricks

We are in the process of coordinating a wonderful pilot program for children with Asperger's Syndrome this summer. Darcie Sheffler, OT here at The Children's Therapy Center, PC is working with a magician to incorporate magic with occupational therapy. If you are interested in having your child participate in this program, please contact our Springfield Office.