Meet Adin

Tell us your child’s story.

By the time Adin was two we were using an iPad for communication, and with the combination of speech therapy and school he can now communicate mostly on his own. However, sometimes when he’s really excited comprehension can be difficult! The most exciting thing has been his motility. He started walking with a walker when he was 3, which has really helped him in school. Almost a year after he started using the walker he received a baclophen pump for direct administration of his muscle relaxer, which has been fantastic for him. This year he made the next big jump to using crutches instead of a walker. He is doing really well with the crutches and refuses to use his walker, which isn’t at all surprising to people who know him. His next big goal is to walk without his crutches. I’m still trying to convince him to master the crutches first. He loves his friends and family, he has a wonderful support system both at home and at school, he is currently at the top of his second grade class and spends most of his day engrossed in a book. I am really excited to watch him grow and keep pushing through obstacles.

Why did you choose APT for therapy services?

After going through 3 speech therapists in First Steps we found Miss Julie at Associates in Pediatric Therapy. We love her. When Adin aged out of First Steps we followed her to APT where she was working with older kids, mostly because I was not willing to spend another 2 years searching for a Speech Therapist that worked so well with Adin. Through APT we have had the privilege of working with many other amazing therapists like Physical Therapist, Miss Amy.

What improvements have you seen in your child since they started therapy at APT?

Adin is definitely not the same kid he was when he first started with APT. He can mostly communicate on his own without having to use his iPad, he went from not being able to walk at all to walking with crutches (which has made almost everyone cry), and he is able to be much more self sufficient. I am excited to see what the next four (and more) years will bring.

What has been your brightest moment along the journey?

When Adin walked in his crutches for the first time. His doctor is now talking about being more aggressive with his treatment to improve his walking, you can see his confidence increase. It has truly been amazing!

What advice would you give other parents who face similar situations?

The most important piece of advice I give all parents of special needs children is to find a good therapist. Find someone you can talk to so that you can get your worries and frustrations out without it effecting your child. It was the best thing I ever did. Once I was able to deal with my own issues, I was able to be there for my son. I think there is also a delicate balance between encouraging your children and pushing them, and that is a problem I have to keep in check everyday. I don’t want to push him so hard that he gives up. I worry about that everyday, and probably will until he’s an adult, but I guess that is true of all children.

Physical Therapist, Amy Martin and Speech Therapist, Julie Sloan see Adin at APT. We asked them to share a little about their journey with him.

How long have you been working with Adin and what improvements have you seen?

Amy:
I worked with Adin from summer of 2015 to summer of 2016 and then we took a six month break. He came back to me in January of 2017 and we are still working on this episode of care. When I first started working with Adin he was ambulating with a Kaye walker with bilateral forearm prompts. In that first episode of care we were able to transition him to just the Kaye walker and we removed the forearm prompts. At that time he was doing well and we decided to take a break. Mom contacted me at the start of last year saying that Adin wants to walk without his walker and what can we do about it. So, we brought him back in and he has worked so hard! We have recently transitioned to Lofstrand crutches which is a huge step in that direction. He is such a hard worker for me and does everything I ask. He has shown great progress and control and he now is working on transitioning to using these at school and in the community. I am so excited at how far he has come!

Julie:
I started working with Adin when he was 2 years old in First Steps. At that time he had no words, but always had such a desire to communicate. We started with signs which he quickly picked up; however, with his fine motor difficulties it was difficult to differentiate the signs. We tried pictures and an iPad with Adin as well, but with his determination and hard work he was able to transition away from assistive technology to become a verbal communicator! Today, he has difficulty being understood at times, but is able to communicate most of his wants and needs and carry on a conversation with whoever he wants!! He has come so far and I have been honored to be part of his journey.

Describe a little about yours and Adin’s relationship.

Amy:
Adin is such a great kid. He is playful and smart and kind and so self-determined which is so beneficial in this environment. We have a great time and I look forward to seeing him each week! I am so proud of this kiddo and so honored to be a part of his journey.

Julie:
I fell in love with Adin and his family the moment I met them. His family has been such a great support for him. They are willing to do anything or try anything to help him succeed. He is such a fun, smart, happy, and funny kid. Adin is always such a bright spot in my day. He always has a smile on his face and loves therapy and interacting with peers and his therapists. He has come so far and continues to grow every day.