Nathalie is young. She is only 4 1/2 years young. She keeps everyone
around her young because of her sweet nature and cute antics. This day
in the gymnasium at Hickory Knoll Early Childhood Center, she played
with a scarf in the air, waving it back and forth as the Adapted
Physical Education teacher instructed the class to do. She smiled and
put her energy into that scarf waving and giggling at the wind blowing
across her face. Nathalie’s smile puts energy into everyone’s face that
watches her.
Nathalie was born with Down Syndrome. When she was first born, the
family was hooked up with Help Me Grow and Delaware County Board of
Developmental Disabilities and Nathalie was given a series of
assessments to determine her needs. She began physical and occupational
therapy at 6 months and speech therapy at 1 year of age. The family had
the support of a Children’s Support Administrator as well.
When Nathalie was 1 1/2 years old, she began receiving Early
Intervention services at Hickory Knoll Early Childhood Center and
transitioned into the preschool program at age 3. She receives Physical,
Occupational and Speech therapy in the 4 mornings a week program.
Nathalie also has an Individual Educational Plan and is working on
simple preschool concepts appropriate with her age group.
Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities has provided this
family with their additional needs as well. Family Directed Resources
had helped the family obtain educational books for both parent and
child. They have purchased therapy equipment such as a peanut and mini
trampoline using the therapy grant. As a result, Nathalie can run, jump
and play like most of her peers. The family gets assistance in personal
care items through basic family supports. Through the assistance of her
Children’s Support Administrator, Nathalie will be able to get the
therapies, equipment and any modifications she may need in the future.
When asked about measurable outcomes for the family and Nathalie,
mother Kimberly gave quite an impressive list. "Nathalie has increased
vocabulary. She recognizes animals, objects and body parts. She is
learning numbers and letters and starting to use 2 phrase sentences. She
plays with her friends at school and is learning to share and follow
directions. She is running, jumping and riding adapted bikes. We have
many goals for her this school year such as grasping a pencil to write
her name. All of this is possible with the therapies she receives."
Nathalie has a new baby sister whom she adores. She talks about the
"baby’ all the time and plays with the dolls in her classroom and at
home. She likes Sesame Street and Elmo is her best buddy. Nathalie is
thriving because of her close family unit and because of the services
she receives in Delaware county.
Nathalie’s determination to try all that is asked of her is inspiring
to those around her. She is a clown and a free spirit at times. I am
sure she always will have that young playful spirit. But that is what
keeps those around her young at heart as well.
