Meet Madisson: Patient Success Story

Madisson is a determined baby girl who entered this world much earlier than expected, and her little body wasn’t fully developed, especially her lungs and eyes. She had to stay in NICU until she was healthy enough to go home with diagnoses of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and retinopathy of prematurity as well as a high risk for developing a neuromotor disorder. Madisson was referred to occupational therapy at five months old with Taryn, who determined that Madisson was significantly delayed in her motor skill development. She was struggling with coordinating her muscle contractions and movements, including rolling, playing with her feet, and reaching/grasping toys, and she also presented with decreased endurance, tightness on the left side of her neck, and diminished visual-motor skills. All of these deficits impacted her ability to play, interact with her caregivers, and explore her environment.

Taryn utilized multiple strategies from her therapy toolbox, including NDT techniques, PNF techniques, use of dynamic surfaces, exploration of various developmental and transitional positions, and auditory and visually stimulating toys to encourage Madisson’s development of strength, range of motion, balance, visual motor integration, and coordination needed to participate in age-appropriate daily routines. Taryn also provided extensive education to Madisson’s caregivers for home program activities to work on between OT sessions to support progress. Madisson’s mother was especially involved in her baby’s success and frequently sent Taryn videos between therapy visits to excitedly show off Madisson’s progress. Although Madisson initially struggled to participate throughout an OT session, Taryn created engaging treatment ideas that helped Madisson increase her tolerance of activity, positional changes, and weight bearing in the comfort of her own home that allowed her to thrive.

In a matter of months, Madisson improved her strength, endurance, balance, and coordination and began sitting, crawling, reaching/grasping toys, and interacting with cause-and-effect toys. She is a very busy baby, and her mother now has a hard time keeping up with her! When Taryn re-evaluated Madisson, she no longer demonstrated medical necessity for OT services due to scoring within normal limits for her motor skills and is graduating from OT! Madisson’s newfound mobility is a source of pride for her mother, who has expressed sincere gratitude for Taryn who helped guide them through their therapy journey. Madisson’s joy and energy are contagious, and she is now able to share it with her entire family!