When a toddler first came to The Warren Center at 18 months old, she was not yet walking or using any words. With the help of therapists and early intervention specialists at The Warren Center, she’s now not only both walking and talking, but is thriving.
Cauley came to The Warren Center with a referral from her doctor. She had the diagnoses of club foot and autism. At the time, Cauley’s main play skill was throwing toys.
Throughout her time in early childhood intervention at The Warren Center, therapists and our family education and support team were able to help advise Cauley’s mom on the specialists she should see. She was able to get set up with Texas Scottish Rite Hospital and several specialists at Children’s Health.
Cauley eventually received a follow-up diagnoses of 18q syndrome and a tethered spinal cord. This caused her to have spinal surgery.
When she started, she was getting occupational therapy with Cathy Winger to work on motor skills and specialized skills training with Tina Sasser to work on learning, play, and communication skills.
She was eventually enrolled in our Bridge Group for a short time to help her transition to school. Bridge Group facilitates the transition from the home to a structured, preschool setting, for children 32-36 months of age. During biweekly classes, therapists work with children to separate from parents more easily, transition smoothly between activities, participate in typical preschool activities (story time, music, snack, and crafts), and increase expressive and receptive communication skills.
In addition to helping refer Cauley and her family to specialists, The Warren Center’s team gave the family various gifts at the holidays and other resources for her siblings. The Warren Center also facilitated Cauley’s transition to the public school special education services.
Cauley started walking independently at 2 and a half years old, which was a large accomplishment since arriving at The Warren Center at 18 months old. Her therapists say she is now using single words to express her needs and to comment. She can sit for longer periods of time to play and imitates her siblings a lot.
Cauley turned three years old at the end of 2022. She will continue to work on her skills in the school district through an early childhood special education class.
Her parents are considering The Warren Center clinic services in her future as well.
“We are so proud of all the progress she has made and how much her family has helped her achieve her goals,” her early intervention specialist said.
@thewarrencenter Sorry, parents, for getting this song stuck in your head! #babyshark #halloween #toddlers #specialneeds ♬ Baby Shark – Pinkfong
