Fredericksburg Parent

www.FredericksburgParent.NET 13 SERVING CHILDRENS' UNIQUE NEEDS While Lauren Jablonski is grateful that her caseworkers connected her with PE-ID, she urges any parent who worries that their young child may not be following a typical developmental path to consult with their pediatrician. The earlier intervention starts, the more progress children can make in overcoming developmental delays. And since the first three years of life are a time of exponential brain growth, seizing the opportu- nity is important. That is exactly why Blake Duhon reached out to PE-ID when he sensed that his son, Bryson, was not meeting certain developmental milestones at 12 months of age. "There were just certain things he struggled with. He was afraid of walking, he was completely scared of seeing brand-new faces," says Duhon. "I thought, 'Let me see if I can reach out to any- body who can help.'" His mother, who works at Bryson's daycare, had seen early intervention providers coming in to help other children, and suggested he reach out to PE-ID. After about a year of receiving home visits for early intervention therapy, Duhon says, "Bryson is such a different person. He is way more confident, and he is just doing amazing things." Part of the magic of early intervention lies in the providers' efforts not only to serve the child, but also to teach parents simple strate- gies that can be incorporated in a normal day to help their children progress in specific developmental skills. "Each and every visit that they came, I have always learned something new, and everything I get from them I do on my own time," Duhon says. "It benefitted both of us—not just Bryson." Both Duhon and Jablonski say the fact that PE-ID providers come to the home helps ensure therapeutic sessions can fit into a busy family schedule, and elimi- nates any barrier that having to drive to an appointment might present. Lauren Jablonski has appreciated being able to ask her provid- ers questions about specific behaviors she sees in Carson, and to share videos of things he is doing at home and get strategies for how to help him. "They have been a lifesaver," she says. "I can't stress enough how important it is to get them that early help. In the long run it is going to do wonders for the child." As Carson turns 2 this month, Jablonski knows she has another year left to work with early intervention, but, "I have already told them, I'm going to be sad to have to say goodbye." While early intervention services end at 36 months of age, PE-ID's coordinators work closely with fami- lies throughout their journey to help connect parents with the appropriate next step for their children. As Duhon's son, Bryson, approaches his third birth- day, he says PE-ID has set him up with referrals to Head Start and screening programs that may help his son moving forward. But he'll never forget the connection that the early intervention providers helped him forge with his son. "He's just a totally different kid, from where he was and where he is now," he says. "Everybody's help and support has made that happen." HELPING PARENTS BE THE TEACHERS "There were just certain things he struggled with..." Bryson with his dad, Blake Duhon.

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