Heartspring Outcomes

Pediatric Services

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

Mariz For most toddlers, walking develops naturally. For many of the children receiving Heartspring’s outpatient pediatric services, walking can be a tremendous challenge. Damage to the brain during the early stages of development can delay walking skills for months or even years. However, the ability of the brain to adapt to new physical activities provides the opportunity to practice and learn this desired skill.

Mariz began physical therapy at Heartspring at age 6 with a strong desire to walk by himself. Diagnosed at 15 months with cerebral palsy, he was fast and efficient at walking with his walker. Mariz was afraid to stand by himself, taking small ‘baby steps’ with full support. On the treadmill, Denise Begnoche, physical therapist, had a difficult time teaching him to take longer strides, even when supported.

Through continued therapy sessions, Mariz began to develop better posture and balance. Stimulating strides on a treadmill and using hand support helped Mariz to begin to take steps by himself without the walker. Soon he no longer brought the walker to therapy, and stopped using it at home.

Like a toddler practicing his first steps, Mariz would fall many times. With the determination to learn, he pushed himself back up to stand and continued walking. After ten weeks, Mariz walked without the harness, taking steps with minimal support. Today he walks 600 feet to the candy machine with guidance, and his hands free walking speed increases each week. Independent walking is now within his reach.

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