Since Eddieās blindness diagnosis, he has regularly had a speech, physical, and occupational therapist. Once he entered school full-time, we backed off on much of his private therapy. This was partly because he was getting services at school, but also because we moved states. This left us with fewer medical financial resources, and also with the task of finding new therapists.
Prior to our move, we were blessed with providers that were really rooting for Eddie to succeed. Every single one of his gains was celebrated weekly. Not only was Eddie encouraged, but so was I. I was given pats on the back whenever we met, and basically felt like Eddie could and would succeed at whatever goals we set.
Since our move, I feel like we have been without a cheerleading squad. Sure, there have been some that cheer Eddie on and boast about his success. However, there is no longer a squad, but instead an isolated fan on occasion. I need to find those therapists that will be Eddieās supporters, and mine as well.
Some of the private therapists weāve had since the move have been less than enthusiastic about Eddie. It seems that heās too autistic, or too blind, or too behavioral. Nobody has made me feel like he was just right, or that the providers actually wanted to work with him.
Recently, another Mom of a visually impaired child I know was excited because her new TVI said that her son was āmy kind of kid.ā Am I asking too much to want that for Eddie? Not only do I feel that the therapists are too picky about Eddie, but also that I am too picky about them.
I feel a little bit like Goldilocks wandering through town looking for the right therapeutic team. This group is too stand-offish, this group is too rigid, this group has no experience with blind children, and this group is too negative. Just yesterday, through many phone calls and referrals, I think I may have found a group that was just right.
I called and found myself fumbling over the details that make up Eddie. After explaining why he needs speech and occupational therapy, I said that many places had been intimidated by his blindness and some had even written him off. I said that if that was going to be too difficult for this group, I wanted to help in any way that I could. I just wanted to make sure that he would be supported regardless of the areas that others deemed tooā¦something.
The woman I spoke to cut me off almost immediately. She said that wouldnāt be a problem in her office. She happily stated that she could think of two therapists off the top of her head that would be thrilled to work with Eddie. Honestly, if I had been talking to her in person I would have hugged her.
Maybe āthrilledā was a strong word, and maybe my hopes are too high, but I love my son. Others have and do love my son. Is it too much to hope that a new team of therapists could love him? Could cheer for him? Could make him and us feel success?
We need a new team, and Iām hoping this therapy group is it. His evaluation is on Tuesday, and Iām dying to get him in the door. Too long have we allowed everyone to just get byā¦and hoped that Eddie would come along with what he had. Itās time for a new wave of successā¦for my son, Eddieā¦who is just right.