Infant Toddler Program - Success Stories
Jack
Jack's two loving parents became concerned during pregnancy because he moved very little in the womb. After he was born, this inactivity translated into low muscle tone and difficulty breathing, eating and swallowing. During his first month he required oxygen and slept 23 hours per day. His difficulty swallowing caused dehydration and after several trips to the hospital he was diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome.
Jack's parents actively seek out treatment options for their son and focus on enjoying him and supporting him in reaching his potential. They learned that feeding difficulties are typical in the lives of children with Prader-Willi. They also learned that, as Jack grows, his eating will improve, but he will have no sense of being full after eating. The absence of this sensation will potentially result in Jack overeating. They are transitioning from worrying about him eating enough, to monitoring his intake to avoid overeating. Jack's family has done wonderfully with this transition.
At Holly Ridge Center, Jack attends a special preschool to improve his social interactions. Holly Ridge Center provides weekly speech therapy for his language and oral motor skills.
In the Holly Ridge Center preschool, Jack enjoys circle time. He imitates song motions and is interested in his classroom peers. His teacher is helping him develop his fine motor skills. Jack's Speech Therapist works with him on oral motor skills so he can eat eveything by mouth and feed himself. Jack understands the names of people and things in his environment. His speech therapist is also helping him learn to use signs and gestures, imitate sounds and say words. Jack is a happy, social little boy who is making progress in all areas of development.
Jack's grandparents, Nana and Papa, also take an active role in supporting his development. Every week they bring Jack to his playgroup at Holly Ridge Center and are pleased with his progress. Their cheers and enthusiasm really motivate Jack! Most importantly, Jack is a very happy little boy whose family is very proud of him. Jack seems to touch everyone he comes in contact with in some way to make his or her day a little brighter.
