Heartspring Outcomes

Pediatric Services

Outcomes Early Literacy Screenings Screening Statistics KidCheck Video 2007 Year in Revew

“Now I look at the world a little different. I accept it and realize what a blessing it is (having a child with special needs). You just start redefining what success is.”
- Lanna, Jacob’s mom

Jacob opening jar Jacob’s traumatic entrance into this world, born prematurely at 28 weeks gestation, suffering a Grade IV brain bleed, destroying brain tissue and hydrocephalus, caused many delays in his development. Fine and gross motor skills were lacking, and his speech was frustratingly slow. Jacob’s parents, Lanna and Keith, first brought him to Heartspring when he was 13 months old. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was 18 months old. Despite the diagnosis, he continued to progress and began taking a few steps independently at 31 months of age. Jacob was subsequently diagnosed with autism around two years of age. He did, in fact, have the ability to verbalize words as a toddler, but that ability declined, leading to the diagnosis from Heartspring’s developmental pediatrician. Six year old Jacob receives physical, occupational and speech therapies helping him walk, complete two handed activities including opening containers and can count, say the letters of the alphabet and imitate action words – all of which are milestones his parents weren’t sure he would reach.

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