Early Interventions - Interview, Physical and Developmental Therapy Evaluations, and the Chiropractor Visits

On March 29th, Theo and I met with Elizabeth from Early Interventions. She came to the Raptor (how convenient!) and talked to us about the program. She said that due to Theo's aneurysm he was an automatic qualifier.

She asked me a lot of questions about Theo's birth, surgery, and development. Based on what she saw and heard she is recommending that Theo get evaluated by a Physical Therapist, Developmental Therapist, and an Occupational Therapist. She told me that the therapist should be contacting me within a week to set up appointments.

After we got back from Ohio, I decided I would check in with Elizabeth since I had not heard from anyone all week. She said she would talk to the Physical Therapist and get back to me. A few minutes later Katie, the Physical Therapist, called. She said she was so sorry she skipped over us and that she was available to come by the next day.

On Wednesday, April 10, Katie came to the Raptor to do her evaluation. Of course, Theo was crabby (he's usually in such a good mood), but she was able to get most of her evaluation done. I put Theo down for a nap and we discussed what she found. She said that Theo has pretty bad torticollis and that it could have been caused by my c-section. During rough births, the baby's spine can be affected and it's likely that his atlas (first vertebrae) slipped a little. She recommended that we go and see a Chiropractor in Ottawa who specializes in torticollis and atlas problems. She also showed me a few exercises to do with Theo in-between our appointments.

[Theo waiting for Katie]

After she left I called the chiropractor and made an appointment for later that day.

After Theo's nap we headed to Ottawa to see the chiropractors, Dr. Brett and Dr. Janet. They were very interested in Theo's birth and all his medical procedures. I explained what was going on and they said they would be happy to help! They then examined Theo and found that his atlas is out of alignment. This has also caused his hips to be out of alignment. The Chiropractor used a little device that gently pushed Theo's atlas back into place. She the adjusted his back and hips. The adjustment didn't bother Theo at all and he was in such a great mood! They gave us a bunch of literature and told us to come back on Friday.

We went back on Friday for another adjustment. The Chiropractors said that his atlas was still in line so they just did some small adjustments and worked on his neck muscles. Theo loved it! We are going back again on Monday.


[Dr. Janet saying "hi" to Theo]

[Checking his hip levels]  

[Dr. Brett working on Theo's alignment]

[He loves it!]

On April 16th, Theo and I saw the Developmental Therapist. She said he has great social skills (smiling and babbling), good movement (in his arms, legs, and hands), and she thinks he will start reaching for toys once his motor skills are further along. She is going to recommend that he doesn’t need full time Developmental Therapy, but she is going to recommend that a Developmental Therapist that specializes in eyes come by to see him. He follows toys, noise, and light, but he has a little lag. The Neurologist and Eye Doctor noticed it too and they both think it’s neurological. 

The Therapist are all going to meet together soon and come up with a plan. I’m so excited! Hopefully Theo will be lifting his head up and reaching for toys in no time!