“Some days life for Italia is like one giant run-on sentence with no punctuation,” explains Jenny, 6-year-old Italia’s mother. “Italia has autism, and her actions and thoughts and feelings are all jumbled together. Physical, occupational, and speech therapies provided by The Children’s Institute are adding the punctuation to Italia’s story, helping her process, defining her goals, and cultivating the skills she needs to grow.”
“We tried to continue our monthly in-person therapy sessions this spring, but Italia quickly removes her mask,” Laura describes. “Italia and Jenny quickly adapted to teletherapy visits. I instruct engaged family members like Jenny on ways to use household items as therapy equipment and train them how to best facilitate functional activities and exercises in their home environment. Jenny is very receptive to taking recommendations, and Italia loves showing me how she ‘plays’ with Mom.”
“Italia is a joy to work with,” says Emilie. “She is exploding in language right now. It’s rewarding to see her growing and learning through both receptive and expressive language skills that promote more advanced communication like conversation. Increasing her ability to socialize will help Italia form relationships with people outside her family.”
“I’m so grateful for The Children’s Institute, and for each of the therapists who are intertwined in our lives,” Jenny concludes. “These gifted women have been Italia’s voice, her arms and legs, her heart. Our family has celebrated countless firsts because of them – first sentences, first bike ride, first baseball game, first day of school. They care so much about Italia. Laura, Katie, and Emilie have empowered Italia to become the child she is today, and they are equipping her with the potential for a beautiful future.”
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