MEET JULIE:
After 3 months in the NICU, this premature infant has been able to reach developmental milestones her parents never imagined – starting with Early Intervention.
A toddler on a mission …. all at lightning speed!
THE JOURNEY:
Julie was born prematurely at 27 weeks only 1 pound 3 ounces. Her father’s wedding ring fit around her small fragile arm. After 3 long months in the NICU, Julie was able to come home to meet her big sister Emma. Now with one harrowing experience complete, Julie’s parents prepared for the next challenge, their concerns about her development. Unsure of the level of her delay, both physically and mentally, was frightening for her parents. Getting adjusted at home, they realized that something was just not right, based on their experience with their previous child Emma. Julie was not turning to react to noises, she didn’t track objects or play with toys and would lay or be propped up keeping her head turned to the right. They reached out to the Alliance for Infants and Toddlers when Julie was 6 months of age to explore services.
THE teli IMPACT:
The Alliance connected Julie’s parent to teli Developmental therapist, Elaine Tylus. After just a few weeks of working with Julie, her parents began to see progress. Julie kept her head more centered, was tracking toys and seemed to respond more to noise. Prior to Elaine’s work with Julie, she would not tolerate time on her tummy and with Elaine’s help, Julie’s parents mastered techniques to further Julie’s development.
“We urge anyone who thinks their child may need help to call the Alliance for Infants and Toddlers! They’ll connect you with therapists who will work with you to help your child learn and develop and make amazing strides as they grow!”
JULIE TODAY:
Julie is an active toddler, babbling, giggling, and chasing her sister around the house. Her progression from crawling to pulling up to walking at sixteen months was a sight for her parents to behold! She is playing with toys, singing and using her voice to say “Hi” and “Bye” and to let her intentions made known. Each time her therapist sees her there is a new accomplishment to add to her list, including beginning to say “da”, which makes her father more than proud!