Fast forward to today. Both of our girls have been diagnosed on the spectrum, but their paths look entirely different.
Loowan is now a year and a half into her diagnosis, and we spent the early days throwing ourselves into finding as many of the appropriate therapies as we could. When you first get a diagnosis, it can feel like you’re handed a vast map without a compass. You’re trying to navigate system approvals, therapy schedules, and endless appointments while just wanting to help your child connect with the world around her.
Looking back now, we have seen tremendous growth. Specifically through our work with her speech therapist. I genuinely cannot say enough good things about this woman. Finding a professional who doesn't just "do their job," but deeply understands your child's inner world, changes everything for a family.
(If you live in Gush Etzion and are looking for early intervention speech therapy, send me a message... boy do I have a recommendation for you!)
Because of the wonderful, consistent work of this therapist, Loowan’s growth has been remarkable. She can speak more now, but more importantly, she is connecting with those around her, playing alongside other kids, and finding her voice in ways that used to feel so far away. Watching her grow, connect, and learn has been one of the greatest joys of our recent years.
It took us a while to find a good occupational therapist for her age bracket, but once we finally did... (and she's amazing too), we started to see more growth and connection. She may not say what she needs, but she's learned how to find solutions and how to ask for help when she needs it.
And now, we’re reaching the next major milestone.
Starting September 1st, Loowan will officially begin attending a preschool that specializes in autism spectrum disorder.
It’s a transition that comes with a mix of big emotions; relief, hope, and that inevitable parental nervousness whenever a routine shifts. But the biggest feeling is gratitude. In this new setting, all of her therapies will be built directly into her daily school routine, happening consistently throughout the week without us having to shuttle back and forth between separate afternoon appointments.
Early intervention isn't a quick fix; it’s about building a foundation brick by brick. As we close this first chapter of private therapies and step into this whole-child school environment, I'm taking a moment to look back at how far she’s come, and looking forward to watching her thrive in a space designed just for her.
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