Jumping toward milestones with Easterseals
Running and jumping are a rite of passage for most children, but sometimes they need some extra help reaching those milestones. That is where Easterseals Children’s Therapy Services steps in to give an extra boost to children like Alex Mathay.
Easterseals celebrates milestones all year round, but especially during Physical Therapy Month in October.
“Easterseals was instrumental in Alex meeting his milestone,” said Anne Mathay, Alex’s mom. “Walking was top priority. It was our ground zero. From there we could start working on everything else. Thanks to Easterseals therapy, Alex started walking just before his second birthday.”
When Alex, who has a gross motor skill delay, started receiving therapy at 18 months, he couldn’t walk or pull himself up. Easterseals therapists provided therapy in the home, which was helpful because, Alex’s parents Anne and Noah could utilize things they already had around the home to help him with therapy between sessions.
“My needs are his needs and Easterseals helped to meet his needs. They challenge him but set him up for success. Gave him a win every time. The therapists never let him get discouraged,” said Anne. “I can’t say enough great things about therapists and the organization as a whole. I never felt more supported as a parent of a child with delays. They truly care. He isn’t just a 30-minute slot on Wednesday mornings, he is Alex. I know they are invested and they care like I do.”
Alex, who now receives therapy at the Easterseals site, is working on balancing, kicking a ball, jumping off higher objects, jumping forward, and walking down steps without assistance. With the help of physical therapy he has continued to keep up with his peers and recently ran a 50-yard dash.
“He wouldn’t have been able to run this race six months ago,” said Anne.
Easterseals therapists are creative and flexible. One of Alex’s other goals was to learn how to ride a tricycle so therapists left the therapy room and worked with him as he rode through the hallways at Easterseals. “When Alex started to pedal the tricycle he was so proud when he realized he could do what other kids are doing,” said Anne.
“You have to advocate for your child. The goal is to get your child to be the best they can be and if you need help, then get it. I encourage parents to find resources if they think their child needs attention for development. Find people that can help, like Easterseals. You don’t know them well until you need them and then you really get to know everything they do,” she said.
A trusted provider of children’s therapy services for more than 65 years, Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore specializes in treating children ages birth through eighteen years with a variety of challenges, including developmental delay, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, speech and language delay, feeding and swallowing difficulties and others. Therapy services are provided for children in the home, at daycare centers, or through center-based play groups.
Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore offers a range of services, including children’s therapies, assistive technology, recreational camping, day programs for adults with physical or intellectual disabilities, and respite services for caregivers. To learn more , call 1-800-677-3800 or go to de.easterseals.com.
