Therapy Overload

Being proactive, we called Early Intervention before Josiah was born.  We called again about one week after his birth.  He was six weeks old when the assessment took place.  Starting at six weeks, he was seen weekly by the case manager, physical therapist, and occupational therapist.  Three appointments per week, for the first year-and-a-half.  Then speech was added.  Four therapy appointments per week, at home.

Shortly before his second birthday, the occupational therapist moved and we had an issue with the speech therapist.  Knowing he had one year left with EI, and then would age out, we switched occupational therapy & speech therapy to an outside agency where he would receive both services twice weekly.  Two appointments at home, four appointments outside the home.  Of course, playgroup was additional.  These didn't account for 'extras' - trips to Children's, the DS clinic, pediatrician, or dentist.

Given the last three months (with C being ill), this Mama is finding herself on therapy overload.  C used to take Josiah to his outside appointments (two days per week - two therapies back-to-back).  I would attend to grocery shopping and the like.  All of that has changed as C can no longer lift Josiah.

Thankfully, C drives the two 'big' boys to/from preschool/camp each day, while I stay at home preparing Josiah for his day.

Some mornings roll around and I think to myself, "I just can't do this today."  Yes, I have cancelled therapy due to my own inability to carry on.  It doesn't happen often, but happens more than I like to admit.  I week, I simply decided to take the week off.

Josiah is such a little trouper as I carry him from appointment to appointment.  He arrives with a smile, every time.  He works hard at everything he does.  I sit, exhausted, watching him.

He ages out of EI in 3 months.  That will end the home visits.  Physical therapy will get added to our list of outside appointments - six therapy sessions per week.  He will receive some services at school.  We will continue to take him to playgroups, when scheduling allows.

Sometimes, I am tired just thinking about our schedule.  I feel like we're on therapy overload.  I wonder if other parents feel that way too..... 

31 for 21 Challenge: Day Eleven. Therapies

We were fortunate to find out about the Down syndrome, while I was still pregnant.  It gave us time to plan, to prepare.  We called the local Down syndrome support agencies.  I reached out to a friend who works for early intervention.  I even called the early intervention agency.

Josiah started receiving EI services at the age of 6 weeks.  It started as two visits per week.  By 18 months, it was four weekly (in home) visits per week.  We also brought Josiah to playgroup.

As he grows older, therapy has become a normal part of each day and week.  We continue EI, but only have two in-home visits per week.  As we've switched some of his therapies to an outside agency, we now enjoy six outside therapies per week.

As I counted this out last week, I chuckled.  Josiah has eight therapy appointments per week (2 in-home, 6 out-of-home) plus he continues to enjoy his weekly playgroup.

Some say to me, "I don't know how you do it."

He's my son.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

A Switch in Therapies

Sometimes change is needed.  Recently, we found that to be true.

Josiah was receiving speech and occupational therapy twice per month.  That had been the schedule for months.  As he nears his second birthday, I wondered if that was enough.  After talking to other parents of children with Down syndrome, we decided to switch things up.  We reached out to a local rehabilitation center that offers traditional rehab-based therapy.

Josiah was evaluated by their clinicians, two weeks ago, for speech and occupational therapy (OT).  He was deemed eligible for both services, twice weekly - that is quadruple the services he had been receiving.  

The evaluation for speech deemed him age-appropriate for receptive language skills; he understands everything.  His delays, however, in expressive speech were apparent (this was not new news).  Josiah says three words.  He will be two next month.  They have suggested using a communication book.  Where Josiah's receptive language skills are so keen, they feel he is a great candidate for such a tool.  We are excited to try this new communication aide.

OT will continue to work on fine/gross motor skills.  I anticipate huge strides as the number of sessions per month have just multiplied x4.  I am excited as change is in the air.  Fall will be an exciting time for Josiah.  I believe that huge things are going to happen for him.  

What an exciting time it is.....