“They deserve the best and we definitely got that at Children’s Specialized Hospital. I’m brought to tears when I think of how much they changed our lives. Words cannot express my gratitude.”
A social butterfly ready to spread his wings.
At six months old, while at a routine check-up, their pediatrician voiced concerns that Werner’s development seemed delayed. He wasn’t able to flatten his feet on the ground and this made him look like a pointy toed ballerina. He wasn’t showing signs of strength in any of his limbs. As a first-time mom, Betty Baez had no idea there was a delay or anything out of the ordinary.As time passed, he was not learning to crawl and his lack of strength prevented him from sitting or standing on his own. Werner’s pediatrician referred them to Children’s Specialized Hospital for treatment. At age seven, he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). According to mom, in addition to his therapies, he also received compassionate care and lots of love from the staff.
As Werner grew, many other challenges arose as a result of his diagnosis. He wasn’t able to chew or walk on his own and he is completely non-verbal. “Mama” is his only word.
With the help of speech, physical, and occupational therapy at Children’s Specialized Hospital, he took his first steps with a walker. Upon entering his teen years, Werner's challenges extended to his behavior. He would often bite or hit himself or even give himself bloody noses. He would have tantrums in crowds, throw himself on the ground, cry and get extremely hyper and upset. Through therapy, they learned how to manage these behaviors.
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Betty shares that Werner is all smiles and a very happy kid. “He is amazing and has taught me so much in life, and is still teaching me. Different is not always less - it can be more and even better!” Betty encourages others to be persistent, patient, loving, and understanding with children like Werner. “They deserve the best and we definitely got that at Children’s Specialized Hospital. I’m brought to tears when I think of how much they changed our lives. Words cannot express my gratitude.”