Alexander in EarlySteps/SPOE

In Spring 2021, Alexander from Region 1 (New Orleans) was born prematurely at 27 weeks and suffered a grade 2 brain bleed, causing atrophy on his left side. His medical team advised enrolling him in EarlySteps to address potential developmental delays preventatively. 

By 18 months, Alexander was engaged in intensive therapy sessions nearly every weekday, including Special Instruction, Speech, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy. When he began walking at the age of 2, concerns arose about his right arm and leg movement, leading to a diagnosis of Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy. Early intervention proved pivotal as therapists customized his care, maximizing his progress. 

By age 3, Alexander had advanced so much in Speech that services were no longer necessary, and Occupational Therapy was reduced to twice monthly, with ongoing Physical Therapy to support his growth. His Early Steps team felt like extended family and became a crucial support system, offering comfort and expertise. 

“I attribute [his progress] to not only our son's incredible strength and determination, but also the phenomenal team we had from Early Steps,” said Alexander’s mother.  

The dedication and tailored interventions his EarlySteps team provided played a pivotal role in Alexander's development, setting him on a positive trajectory, including an early transition to an older school class.

At Easterseals Louisiana, we are committed to ensuring children with developmental delays access the necessary resources through EarlySteps to support their journey toward a healthy and joyful future.