“You are getting really great therapists who are really well trained and they come to your house!”
For her first 18 months, Madison Burnett was continuously hitting developmental milestones. Madison was talking, walking, and everything was right on par with her age. As she approached her second birthday, her mother, Ariella, began to notice Madison exhibiting different behaviors. By the time Madison had turned two, she had gone from naming colors, counting and pointing out facial features to not speaking entirely. Although Ariella was worried, she knew Early Intervention could help.
This was not Ariella’s first time working with the Early Intervention Program (EIP) at Children’s Specialized Hospital. When Logan Burnett, Madison’s older brother, was born premature at 35 weeks gestation he experienced problems with feeding and once he came home from the hospital, he began to lose weight. Logan was diagnosed with Torticollis, a condition characterized by a misalignment of the neck, which can impact feeding difficulties in infants. After his diagnosis, Ariella was directed to get Logan into physical therapy. In the 10–15-mile radius of their home, no one was accepting babies as young as Logan, and she did not know where to look. Ariella turned to her insurance company who recommended the Early Intervention Program. Ariella reached out and within a few days Logan was able to schedule an evaluation.
With the help and support of the phenomenal physical therapists and developmental intervention, Logan was able to develop immensely and learn to use his motor skills in new ways. Logan worked with his team from 3 months up until 26 months when he graduated. “It was just a gamechanger for him,” said Ariella.
Madison’s journey with the Early Intervention Program began later than her older brother. While Logan began EIP at a very young age, Madison did not require EIP services until her second birthday. The Early Intervention therapists began working with Madison in November and they worked together three times a week, one day at home and two days in school. On Ariella’s second time around with EIP, therapists recommended she bring Madison to also see a developmental pediatrician as it was speculated she had Autism Spectrum Disorder. While Madison awaited her official diagnosis from the developmental pediatrician, her early intervention speech therapist and occupational therapist worked closely with Madison and her family. “They were so professional and gracious about us waiting for a diagnosis. Her symptoms were getting worse, and they were being so supportive and not keeping me in the dark, but also not scaring me at the same time,” Ariella explained.
Madison was given exercises, and Ariella was provided with training on how to adapt better to Madison’s world to make life better overall for Madison. Madison turned three in August and those around her are now able to better interpret her use of echolalic due to the interventions that were put in place. She can utilize language functionally to engage and connect with others in a meaningful way. Madison is able to say people’s names like her therapists, brother, and nanny, and she is able to make eye contact. Madison and her brother will both be attending their local public school, with Madison entering the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program there!
Ariella’s biggest piece of advice for families starting their Early Intervention journey? Trust the process. From being taught as a parent/caregiver how to continue the learning at home by adapting it to your own daily routine to working with seasoned staff to nurture your child’s development. “It is definitely refreshing to know that everyone who our family has worked with has just been very helpful with helping our children progress and seeing their potential,” says Ariella.
With the help of the Early Intervention Program the Burnetts were able to grow and progress with exercises and teachings to adapt to their children. “I have been blown away with the program and I am truly so grateful that we have the services available to us,” shares Ariella. “Children’s Specialized Hospital has an amazing staff of therapists, evaluators, admins, and coordinators. Everyone has been wonderful to work with since beginning our journey in 2021.”
About CSH’s Early Intervention Program
Children’s Specialized Hospital’s Early Intervention Program makes early identification, evaluation and intervention services for children up to three years of age accessible. EIP is a state funded program that is offered in environments that are natural to the child, like their home or a community setting. Services include speech, occupational, and physical therapy, along with developmental intervention (teaching) and support services such as nursing, social work, and family training.
Through the Early Intervention Program therapists work with patients/families using a variety of fun, but educational and therapeutic activities, to promote social, cognitive, language, and physical development. Additionally, parents/caregivers are provided with training and participation opportunities during the EIP sessions. All evaluations and services are provided at no cost to patients/families.
Learn more about the Early Intervention Program at Children's Specialized Hospital