When Gavin was two years old, he struggled in a way that wasn’t typical of other two-year-olds. He only wanted to eat soft foods like mashed potatoes. He couldn’t express himself with words. And he didn’t have the fine motor skills needed to play like a typical toddler. This led to emotional struggles and meltdowns, which made it hard for his family to enjoy time with him away from home.

Knowing she wanted to help her son overcome these challenges, Gavin’s mom Jenny started asking loved ones for advice. She heard about 321go Kids and gained a referral from Gavin’s pediatrician.

Gavin was initially afraid to go into the therapy rooms and would cry because he didn’t want to be around other people. Lexie, his Occupational Therapy Assistant, focused on building a trusting relationship with Gavin through play therapy. She used a therapy ball in their play sessions, encouraging Gavin to bounce and roll over it.

The goals for Gavin’s therapy included helping him function independently and respond to stimulation through sight, taste, smell, hearing, and touch. Through therapy and the support of his family incorporating therapy with him at home, Gavin made remarkable progress.

“There was a time we were working on stacking blocks; Gavin did not want to do it. But then, one day, he just sat down and started doing it with a smile on his face. And he repeated my fun sound effects,” Lexie expressed. 

After two years of therapy, four-year-old Gavin can now engage in imaginative play, express his thoughts and ideas, and interact with new people. He has improved listening skills and a significant reduction in meltdowns. Recently, Gavin went back to the therapy room by himself for the first time. He is also drawing and writing.

Jenny emphasized, “He’s a completely different person now. I can remember that first day we met with Lexie, and he was just flipping switches and going in circles, and he’s not doing that anymore. There have been so many proud moments.”

Therapy will continue to be beneficial for Gavin as he starts preschool. It will allow him to get used to his new routine and improve his fine motor skills, enabling him to continue unleashing his potential.

Do you know a child who is facing challenges like Gavin’s? Help them discover hope by completing the contact form available at 321gokids.com.