Impact Stories

Mason’s Story: From the NICU to Meeting Developmental Milestones in 10 Months

Mason Perez - Developmental Milestones after NICU

Communication | Feeding | Motor

At birth, Mason experienced a lack of oxygen and began his life in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Upon being discharged from the hospital, his mother Stacey, a teacher, knew the importance of receiving therapeutic services to assist Mason in his development. She reached out to Early Intervention Services at Partners in Child Development to help her infant on his developmental journey.

Mason was evaluated and qualified for Early Intervention Services.

Early Intervention Services

Meg McCarty, an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) at Early Intervention Services provided weekly occupational therapy services, working with Mason and his family in their home. All Early Intervention Services specialists are dedicated to working with young children and their families and Meg had worked with many children including infants who had risks of developmental delays due to being born prematurely or like Mason, had started life in the NICU. As an occupational therapist assistant, Meg focused on Mason’s motor skills while also helping his parents with feeding and speech concerns as they arose.

To help with Mason’s mobility development, Meg’s weekly one hour therapy session included hands on time with him and time with his parents. Therapies included putting Mason on his belly and working on his balance. As she provided therapy to Mason, she explained what she was doing and why she was doing it to help his parents understand the benefits of the occupational therapies. Meg understands that most parents and caregivers have real concerns about their infant or young child and may not be comfortable asking questions or aware of how simple actions of putting an infant on their belly can be beneficial to a child’s development. She always talks through the therapies to anticipate questions and to give a parent or caregiver peace of mind.

As Mason grew, therapies included putting toys outside of his reach to encourage him to reach out beyond his radius of reach, requiring him to shift his weight and improve his balance. Often Meg would provide suggestions and ‘homework’ for his parents to try each week when playing with Mason to help support his development. At one stage in the early intervention services, Meg encouraged his parents to try verbal imitation with Mason which helped develop his communication.

Mason’s mom shares, “I found myself looking forward to our meetings—not just for Mason’s growth, but for my own. It was wonderful to have another mom and expert to talk to, learn from, and feel supported by.”

Benefits to Child and Family

As a first-time mother, Stacey had many concerns as she and her husband navigated their new roles as parents and the additional challenges of bringing a baby home after being in the NICU. With her background in education, Stacey had many questions about Mason’s development and how best to support him.

With Early Intervention Services, after ten months, Mason was meeting his developmental milestones and the family was thrilled. Milestones achieved included sitting up and balancing, pulling himself up to stand, standing up and letting go of one hand to pivot and shift his weight. At the conclusion of the therapeutic services provided by Early Intervention Services, Mason’s final evaluation scores were high and his parents were proud and relieved with his advancements.

Stacey went on to say, “Though the sessions were designed for Mason, they became just as beneficial for us as parents. His dad and I learned how to engage him in purposeful play, and it has been amazing to see him thrive.”