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CHILDREN'S STORIES
April’s Story
April is a motivated, bright four year old with cerebral palsy. Born at 31 weeks, April was adopted from Russia at nine months of age. While she presented herself as a well-rounded, social and happy little girl, it did not take long for her parents to recognize that April was not developing skills as quickly as her peers. As she grew, she was unable to stand or take steps, sit independently, or use her hands to play or feed herself. April receives therapy twice weekly at a local hospital. She currently is working on the following goals: sitting, standing, four point, feed self finger foods, hold a two handed cup, use a tripod grasp during fine motor activities and reach, grasp, and release objects across midline.
In October 2003, April entered the Steps to Independence® program at United Cerebral Palsy. Without a complaint, she worked as hard as the therapists for two and one-half hours a day, three days a week, for one month. At the conclusion of the month, April was able to sit independently when placed on a small wedge with a bench in front for support. She was able to side step with minimal support to each side. April also worked on four-point position with assistance to maintain the position. She was able to self-feed finger food while wearing her hand splints and to play with toys across midline with assistance.
After participating in the Steps to Independence® program, April's family decided to continue her treatment with United Cerebral Palsy on an ongoing basis. In August 2004, April underwent a neurological procedure known as Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy to reduce stiffness in the muscles of her arms, legs and trunk. After a brief hospital stay, April returned to the agency where her therapy focused on improving overall trunk strength, sitting, transitions, walking, self feeding, and play and speech abilities. April has participated in intensive and regular therapy at United Cerebral Palsy since her surgery.
Steps to Independence® opened new doors and new opportunities to April. Because of United Cerebral Palsy's family-like atmosphere and knowledgeable staff, April's parents felt comfortable approaching agency therapists with any question, knowing they would receive a complete and candid response. Agency staff was available to support the family with emotional, social, psychological, and clinical advice. The family knows that they have a unique resource in United Cerebral Palsy.
For April's long journey ahead, agency therapists prepared a home program to encourage the family to facilitate her progress and help her to attain new goals. With hard work and time, April will continue to thrive and improve.
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