Pediatric Therapy Groups

“In July, my son, Christian, started going to Sensory Solutions at two months-old due to low muscle tone. We originally started out with physical therapy and occupational therapy, but once Abby evaluated him, she noticed speech would be more beneficial due to swallowing issues. Abby, right off the bat, realized he was very lip and tongue tied so as soon as we could, we got into an ENT, who also found out that Christian had Laryngomalacia. Laryngomalacia makes it squeaky when he breathes, but can also lead to many respiratory issues and feeding issues. Christian also had Torticollis, which is the tightening of the muscles in his which, which often affects feeding as well. After Abby’s assessment, Christian was diagnosed with severe dysphagia. Christian was constantly choking and gagging on different bottles. Abby finally found the bottle that works best, but he was still struggling, so then we went to the GI doctor. He was then diagnosed with severe acid reflux.

Still struggling with swallowing, we were referred for a swallow study. The test showed that he was pausing while eating his bottles. Abby has tried different exercises to help strengthen his mouth because he couldn’t keep the bottle or pacifier in his mouth because of his low tone. During therapy, I realized how arched and uncomfortable he was during feeding due to the reflux. We switched formulas several times and when that didn’t work, we figured out a position that he was finally comfortable while eating. Christian’s lip and tongue tie grew back so Abby referred us to a more effective place to get the procedure done. Abby got the Nutritionist at Sensory Solutions involved and she recommended we switch to a prescription formula. He went from spitting up 20 to 30 times a day to maybe 5 to 10 times a day. He just turned 6 months-old and can finally eat thickened baby food. He can suck on the pacifier for more than just a few seconds. We are slowly introducing a straw cup. Abby is beyond knowledgeable and beyond the best advocate for the kids that she sees. I truly don’t know what we would do without her. She has helped us so much from struggling with feedings to Christian actually being comfortable and able to eat.”