Profile of
Lou Ann H.
Full-Time,
10
+
Years
of Experience
I had a family in my licensed daycare home that was expecting a new baby. I also had his sibling in my care. The family inquired before the new child was born, if I would care for him as well, of course, I replied. Needless, to say we were all expecting a healthy baby. The child was born with a cleft palette which would be repaired when he was about 6 months old.
Babies born with cleft palettes have to be fed with special bottles. It took this child over 45 minutes to take a bottle, because he could not suck. A few months later, we were outside on the playground on what was a grand and glorious day. The children were all playing, running and screaming when I noticed this child was not even
the least bothered by the sound of the children or the jet planes flying up above.
I spoke to the family, later on in the day about my concerns. By this time, the child was about 7 months old. They took him for a hearing check and the doctor said, "he passed his hearing screening."
I felt like how could he say that, my daughter and I kept doing our own form of crude testing, dropping pan lids and pans behind him. Sometimes, he would look and other times he would not turn his head. This went on for another two months now, he is nearing 9 months old. He is not crawling, trying to stand, sit, etc. Later that month, he was diagnosed as profoundly deaf, as well as developmentally delayed.
Occupational, physical and speech therapists entered and left my home on a weekly basis working with him. This went on until he was able to attend the developmentally delayed program through the public school.
Later, the child had a cochlear implant for his hearing. Again, the family was devastated, he still could not hear. I've been through the ups and downs of working with this family for years.
Today, they have accepted to unconditionally love their child even with his many set backs. He is one of the most lovable, easy going children you could ever meet. I love working with children who have special needs, because a little task to us is a great big step for them! They rise far up above the clouds when they have done something!
Related Hobbies and Interests
I like to read and study on the latest findings and technical advice to help each child with their particular special need. I also like to make cards, sign language cards, posters, books that are colorful or interesting to brighten their day.
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