Shortly after Avery was born, her parents began noticing subtle, but concerning signs. She showed weakness on one side of her body, struggled to hold onto objects, and didn’t enjoy playing with toys the way most babies do. As she grew, feeding became a bigger challenge—chewing was difficult, and she would frequently choke on her food. Behavioral and sensory issues added another layer to the daily challenges her family faced.

Seeking support, Avery’s parents connected with The Arc Alliance’s Early Intervention program, and everything changed.

Avery’s team included Physical Therapists Becky and later Ellen, Speech and Feeding Therapist Lori, Occupational Therapist Ron, Special Instructor Pam, and Nutritionist Colleen. Together, they formed a circle of support that her family describes as life-changing.

“It has been a complete game changer for our whole family,” Avery’s mom shared. “Avery wouldn’t be where she is now if it wasn’t for her EI therapists.”

Her therapists provided hands-on support and worked closely with her parents, offering tips and strategies they could use between sessions to keep her progress moving forward.

Pam, her Special Instructor, played a particularly big role in transforming Avery’s relationship with play. Once uninterested in toys, Avery now loves to play—especially dress-up and cooking in her favorite toy kitchen. Lori supported Avery through her feeding challenges, helping her make tremendous strides with chewing and eating safely. Ron guided Avery through behavioral and sensory hurdles, always following her lead and never pushing her before she was ready.

“Everything has been very challenging since birth with all of her issues,” her mom said. “I feel like the therapists were our biggest support through it all. Every single one of her therapists played a huge role in Avery’s success.”

Today, Avery is thriving. She loves playing outside—her mom jokes she’d spend the whole day outdoors if she could—and she’s happiest when she’s playing with her big sister. Whether she’s running around the yard, dressing up, or cooking pretend meals, Avery is exploring her world with confidence.

“Early Intervention was huge for her,” her mom said. “I highly recommend it to families who need it. Avery had a team who truly cared for her—we were never disappointed in her care.”

Avery’s journey is a testament to her strength, her family’s dedication, and the power of a caring EI team.