Early Intervention

Because Zach has spina bifida, he automatically qualifies for Early Intervention which is a program where different therapists come to our house. Kids Who Count is who does it in our area. They came and did his initial evaluation when he was about a month old and from there got us set up with a therapist. We started out with an occupational therapist, Mary. She comes twice a month for an hour each time. After a few months, Kim, the physical therapist started to come. She also comes twice a month. We've worked a lot on pushing up with his arms and lifting his head and sitting and rolling over. Zach starting to really sit by himself when he was about 9 1/2-10 months old, but he still has to support himself on his arms. He can roll over if he really wants to, but it usually has to be a pretty good incentive (like food).

He also started pool therapy in February with the physical therapist, Kim. We have to go down to Payson twice a month for his half-hour session. I think it has really strengthened his stomach muscles and helped him to sit up. It forces him to use them because if he doesn't, his face gets wet and he doesn't like that at all. He has usually screamed most of the session but last time did really well and only briefly cried when his face got wet.

This is a great program that will continue until he is three. The services are adapted as his needs change. He had a vision therapist come a couple of times when he was about three months old but those issues were resolved and she didn't need to come anymore. It is so nice that they come to our house instead of us having to run around for everything.

Zach is getting stronger everyday and it has been fun to see how he is adapting. He wants to be involved with his brothers and we want him to be able to do everything that he can.