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CHILDREN'S STORIES
Tyriq’s Story
 Tyriq's smiling face lights up a room. 'Charming' does not begin to describe his effervescent, engaging personality.
His mom, Tayana, said the 4-year-old is now feeding himself, a skill he developed during therapy sessions in the Children's Services program at United Cerebral Palsy. Tyriq's therapy team is assessing different devices and appropriate medical interventions that will help the toddler walk as independently as possible.
Tayana said she was terrified when a pediatrician told her in 2002 that Tyriq had cerebral palsy. Her baby was about 11 months old at the time. When his doctor told her that United Cerebral Palsy would provide the help she needed, Tayana immediately contacted the agency and therapy began within two weeks. Tyriq currently attends therapy sessions twice a week and has participated in the agency's Steps to Independence® intensive therapy program.
'United Cerebral Palsy has a lot of different helpful opportunities for children with special needs that other places don't have. When Tyriq started Steps to Independence®, he could not feed himself. My son now stabs and scoops,' Tayana said.
Program therapists said Tyriq is displaying gains in the areas of self-care and fine motor development. He is able to help dress himself and has begun to toilet train. He is starting to use crayons and markers. His mom is hoping to obtain an adaptive tricycle, which will give him mobility.
'Tyriq is making excellent gains due to the early intervention he has received through therapy and the carry-over that his mom provides at home,' said therapist Paula Hackley.
A single parent who is attending school full-time, Tayana said she is grateful for the support she receives at United Cerebral Palsy. 'The staff has helped me with every aspect of taking care of my son. You don't feel as though you are just another client. The family picture always is in focus.'
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