At nearly four years old, Sloan exudes imagination, determination, and joy. We are thrilled to celebrate her as our Star of the Month for National Speech-Language-Hearing Month!
Sloan has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, a condition that affects her muscle tone and control in all four limbs. While this makes daily tasks, such as sitting up, crawling, or speaking, more challenging, Sloan refuses to be held back! She is dedicated to building her strength, coordination, and communication skills so she can engage in play with her twin sister and baby brother.
In speech therapy, Sloan is blossoming into a confident communicator. She actively explores new sounds, words, phrases, and sentences using her voice and assistive tools. She is also learning to eat safely and try new foods. Born with moderate to severe hearing loss in both ears, Sloan faces additional challenges in communication. However, her hearing aids empower her to hear better and learn to articulate clearly. She can express herself in phrases and sentences, but at times, she struggles to be understood.
With the guidance of her speech therapist, Sloan is mastering an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) device that allows her to communicate through eye gaze. This device enhances her ability to connect both at home and in the community when verbal expression is difficult. Her therapists have observed remarkable progress in her ability to engage in conversations, make decisions, and express herself during play. Sloan articulates her desires and asks questions with enthusiasm. She has also made strides in trying new foods, making mealtime a joyful experience with her family. Her unwavering desire to connect with others is why we proudly celebrate her during National Speech-Language-Hearing Month!
Sloan is achieving impressive milestones in occupational therapy as well. She now skillfully uses both hands together, such as steadying a toy with her right hand while pressing buttons with her left. This ability marks a significant step towards her independence. Her fine motor skills are improving, and her increasing core strength helps her maintain balance during active play. Sloan’s growing confidence and focus shine brightly in every session.
In physical therapy, Sloan is learning to navigate her world with increasing independence. She practices sitting up on her own and remains balanced while sitting cross-legged. She focuses on standing and shifting her weight to play in her toy kitchen and kick a soccer ball with her sister, supported by a special device called a LiteGait. Her favorite therapy game? Peek-a-boo on all fours—especially when she pretends to wield magical powers to “freeze” her siblings! Sometimes, her sister challenges her by “freezing” her back, adding an extra layer of fun.
Sloan’s remarkable progress since joining CRIT just over a year ago speaks volumes about her strength and resilience. Her creativity and playful spirit inspire everyone around her. Each milestone she reaches demonstrates the incredible possibilities available through dedicated care, commitment, and strong support.
Thanks to your generosity, children like Sloan are making significant strides and discovering joy every single day. Let’s continue to support their journeys!
