Early Intervention for Children in Guatemala

This quarter, during the months of July, August, and September, there has been an increase of one girl and five boys with different disabilities in the program, referred by healthcare personnel. During this time, we have performed 242 therapies both in the participants’ homes and within the offices of ADISA.

This quarter we have continued with our monthly workshops, focusing more on involving parents in their children’s therapies. They have learned new activities and exercises and the benefits of them. For example, it is essential for the child’s socio-emotional development that his or her parents establish good communication and a healthy relationship.

At this time we want to share the story of Fredy, a two-year-old boy that was born with Down Syndrome:

The mother’s pregnancy was normal, there were a few minor complications during birth, but nothing severe. The doctors only told her to be especially careful with the baby. When Fredy was six-months-old, he could not hold his head up and his parents started to worry. They then looked for help in ADISA, knowing that ADISA could help Fredy. At first, when the parents received Fredy’s diagnosis, it was very painful for them. However, when ADISA explained the diagnosis, they were put at ease and eventually accepted it very well. Currently, Fredy receives early intervention and physical therapy. Our staff is working to achieve the necessary position changes for improved motor development, as well as providing exercises that stimulate other development areas.