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CHILDREN'S STORIES
Devan’s Story
 Devan is a 6 year-old boy with multiple medical diagnoses including schizencephaly, a motor disability, as well as a disorder that affects his intestines, which results in frequent hospitalizations. Despite this, Devan has made remarkable progress in developing his physical abilities. He has blossomed into a very sociable, kind and sensitive child, takes great pride in his accomplishments and has a wonderful sense of humor.
Devan's family initially brought him to United Cerebral Palsy in 2002 to participate in the Conductive Education program. He currently receives services in the agency's occupational, physical and speech therapy programs and has participated in Steps to Independence®, the agency's intensive short-term integrated therapy program for children with motor disorders. When Devan started at United Cerebral Palsy, he was unable to creep, crawl or walk. He was able to only maintain a sitting position and had virtually no awareness of the right side of his body. Devan was unable to take food by mouth and refused oral stimulation.
Devan has made astonishing progress in the development of his overall functional skills while receiving services from United Cerebral Palsy. Through the various treatments he has received in the agency's therapy programs, Devan is working on ascending and descending stairs and is walking independently for long distances without any support from walkers or canes. Devan now is able to actively use the right side of his body, complete manipulative/play activities, and support himself with his right hand. He is learning to write his name independently and to dress and undress himself, and tolerates oral stimulation well. He is initiating self-feeding with a spoon. Significant improvement in his speaking ability, sitting to standing transition, and stepping over items without falling are just a few of his myriad accomplishments.
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