When I refer to the author of this book, I always call her our “beloved therapist” I also call her our “quarterback” and personally, I refer to her as a dear friend. But her real name is Mary Padula. She is one of Elizabeth’s first therapists ever and the one who has been with us since Elizabeth was two years old.
Finding Mary, seeing Mary and having Mary guide our way with Elizabeth was truly life-changing. Continue reading
When you are a child, like Elizabeth who has spent so many countless hours in therapy, you become somewhat of a pro at it. Not that it is easy, and not that she still does not resist initially, but just that you are so used to it that you know the general rhythm of a therapy session.
There are the initial greetings “Hello Elizabeth, how did is go all week for you?”, then the moment she sits down to get to work, or stand up in the case of her gym-therapy, then the description of what is going to happen, then the work and learning begin. Afterwards, I get the wrap-up, the homework, the hug from Elizabeth. Elizabeth gets the excitement of doing something new, the relief to be done and the requisite hug from EVERY therapist.
Sure there may be differences but that is the way it goes most times….but this new therapy this week was not Elizabeth’s but Michael’s. Continue reading
NAVIGATING THE THERAPIES
Therapy is a wonderful thing, It helped Elizabeth grow and achieve so many goals. But there are some things I wish I would have known when we began our journey. Below are some of the more general ones:
– As wonderful as therapy is, the therapist has to be one you feel comfortable with and one who shares your same vision for your child
-That therapy does not fix the problem the first time you go.
-That a longer therapy session is not always the answer, sometimes 30 good minutes is better than 60 minutes of a struggle.
-That therapy needs good follow up by the parents or guardians.
-That taking notes and asking questions is always a good thing. Continue reading