Our Precious Little Girl

By Pat Conroy

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Pat Conroy

Theresa came to me at nine months, her mother, due to an ongoing illness, being unable to care for her. Theresa wasn't able to roll over or do any of the movements expected of a child of this age. My heart went out to her and at sixty two years of age I felt a passionate desire to help her reach her potential. The first task was to enlist the help of phsyiotherhpy, occupational therapy and a speech pathologist. By the time they came on board, she had a few sounds but no speech as yet. The worst case scenario for her future would be that she would be unable to speak. I had heard such stories. The government sources provided me with an aide for Theresa, a wonderful and gifted lady, Linnell, who was to tread a long and arduous track, viz me going to Wodonga attending weekly sessions with the professional people and coming home to impart this knowledge to Linnell for her to put it into practice with Theresa. The days that she did not come, I would put the knowledge into practice myself. Needless to say 5.30 am starts for me to attend to my other chores was the order of the day. Around this time, a book, Teaching the Infant with Down Syndrome, by author Marci J Hanson, was recommended. This book was invaluable with additional hands on information.

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Contact: Cooinda Family Support Group