Vision Intervention with 6 month year old Gavyn

Summary

This video shares the powerful journey of baby Gavin, born with vision challenges, and his progress through early vision therapy with VIPs. His mother, Alison, describes the significant improvements in his ability to see and interact with his environment. With personalized therapy sessions led by Amy, Gavin's development and happiness have drastically improved. The video highlights the importance of early intervention and the vital support offered by VIPs to both children and their families, providing hope and a chance for a brighter future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gavin was born on November 10th, 2018, and started his vision therapy journey at a very young age, which will significantly impact his future.
• 😀 Early intervention in vision therapy is crucial to changing the trajectory of a child's life, especially in infants like Gavin.
• 😀 Gavin's progress was documented during a home visit in May 2019, where his therapy and improvements were highlighted.
• 😀 Gavin's mother, Alison, shared that before therapy, Gavin wasn't seeing anything and his brain's response was minimal, but after therapy, he began to recognize faces and toys.
• 😀 Vision therapy has greatly improved Gavin's ability to remain calm in potentially overwhelming situations, reducing his previous sensitivity to environmental changes.
• 😀 Despite Gavin's improvements, he still has a long way to go, with his diagnosis including gross motor delay, nystagmus, and low vision.
• 😀 Alison is waiting for results from a genetic test to better understand Gavin's condition, which might be linked to abnormal retinas.
• 😀 The therapy provided by VIPs not only aids the child's development but also offers emotional and practical support to the parents during challenging times.
• 😀 Alison appreciates the consistency and preparation that Amy, Gavin's therapist, brings to each session, highlighting her dedication and personalized care.
• 😀 VIPs is the only nonprofit in Indiana offering early intervention for babies and toddlers with vision issues, providing these children a chance to develop alongside their peers.
• 😀 The work of organizations like VIPs plays a significant role in offering hope and support to families during some of the most dramatic moments of their lives.

Q & A

When was Gavin born, and how does this affect his vision therapy journey?

Gavin was born on November 10th, 2018. His early birth means that his vision therapy journey started very early, giving him the best possible chance to change the trajectory of his life.

What was the significance of the home visit in May 2019?

The home visit in May 2019 was important as it allowed for documenting Gavin's progress in vision therapy. It also provided the opportunity to meet Gavin and his mother, Alison, and observe firsthand the impact of vision therapy.

How did Alison describe the impact of vision therapy on Gavin?

Alison described the impact of vision therapy as life-changing. She mentioned that Gavin can now see faces and toys, which was not possible before, and he is much happier and content as a result.

How did vision therapy help Gavin with sensory overstimulation?

Vision therapy helped Gavin manage sensory overstimulation. Before therapy, he would get scared and overwhelmed in certain situations, but since starting therapy, he hasn't had to be removed from situations as often, indicating improvement in his vision.

What were Gavin's diagnoses at the time of the home visit?

At the time of the home visit, Gavin's diagnoses included gross motor delay, nystagmus (involuntary eye movement), and low vision. The family was also waiting for results from a genetic test to identify potential issues with his retinas.

What role does the vision therapy team, specifically Amy, play in Gavin's progress?

Amy, the interventionist, plays a crucial role by providing structured, well-prepared lessons tailored to Gavin's needs. Alison appreciates Amy's consistency and dedication, as she ensures that every session is impactful for Gavin's development.

Why is the waiting period for Gavin’s genetic test results significant?

The waiting period for Gavin’s genetic test results is significant because it adds uncertainty to his diagnosis and treatment plan. However, Alison is grateful for the support and progress made through vision therapy during this time.

What is VIPS, and what unique service does it provide?

VIPS (Visually Impaired Preschool Services) is a nonprofit organization in Indiana that provides early intervention for babies and toddlers with vision impairments. It is the only nonprofit in the state offering such services, helping children develop alongside their typically sighted peers.

How does VIPS impact the lives of parents of children like Gavin?

VIPS offers crucial support not only through therapy but also by providing families with hope and reassurance during challenging times. The intervention helps parents feel more secure about their child's future.

What is the importance of early intervention in vision therapy, as emphasized in the video?

Early intervention is key in vision therapy because the sooner children like Gavin receive support, the more likely they are to make significant progress in their vision and overall development. This can change the trajectory of their lives for the better.