Emily Olson and The Sensory Hippo Blog
When my daughter was only 20 months old, we realized that something was wrong. At the time, we couldn’t find anyone to diagnose her before the age of three. The therapies available at the time were not affordable. So, with direction from an Occupational Therapist in the area, I started my own version of a “Home-Based Early Intervention” with my daughter Sophia. This blog represents the things we did day in and day out to help her. At age three, she was only 18 months developmentally, and was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum with PDD-NOS. This was incredible progress since her initial evaluation at 20 months. She then spent three years in special education pre-school and “successfully” mainstreamed into a traditional first grade classroom.
Don’t get discouraged if therapy for your child is not accessible or affordable. You can jump in and make a difference right in your own home. It is not easy, it is exhausting. But the payoffs are big so don’t wait. Every day matters, especially when your child is very young.
And, if you have a question, feel free to send my way.
Emily
Sophia Before Medication and Intervention:
Sophia Meltdown Diary:
Sophia After Medication and Early Intervention:
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5 comments
Ilene says:
August 30, 2011 at 9:35 am (UTC -4 )
I just happened upon your blog when doing some research for work. I am a behavioral specialist and special education teacher for kids with Autism. The resources you provide for parents and educators are fantastic and it looks like you have one happy kid! As a mom I know we try to do so much for our kids and it looks like you are successful everyday! Enjoy your sweet little ones and keep up the amazing work!
Ilene Kosoff
Preeti Menon says:
February 20, 2012 at 4:00 pm (UTC -4 )
Hi,
I just read your Entry #1. How it tugged at my heart. I am so glad you started this blog for other mothers who need that support you did not get in the beginning. I also know of something else. Essential Oils. I encourage you to look into the power of essential oils for your baby. I use them all the time with mine and my family’s emotional and physical well-being. I only use therapeutic grade. God bless you!
div says:
August 30, 2012 at 12:58 am (UTC -4 )
hi
.my son has lot of self talk..idea of the visual schedule wud help him out ..there are many handy practical solutions….thank u very much..
lk says:
October 14, 2012 at 8:52 am (UTC -4 )
I’ve just stumbled across this website and im thrilled! My son has just turned 5yrs old and memoir #1 is pretty much our life. we’ve been working with occupational therapy for a few months and some things are changing but its such a challenging life. my son has not been “diagnosed” other than “sensory processing issues” but that’s not medically recognised here. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
tanja jensen says:
December 17, 2012 at 6:21 am (UTC -4 )
hi, i im wondering what medication your daugther gets. i to have a daughter diagnoced whit pdd-nos hugs from tanja dk.