Meet my 12-year-old daughter, Mia. At just 16 months old, she began early intervention therapy due to what experts termed low frustration tolerance and limited communication skills. Her eye contact was lacking, and her play development was lagging behind her peers. Initially, they labeled her as “Potentially on the Spectrum,” although there was uncertainty.
By age 2, Mia was undergoing occupational and physical therapy to address her poor motor planning, and we increased her speech therapy to twice a week. They labeled her with “Apraxia,” but many professionals felt this was only part of the story.
At 3.5 years old, a pediatric neurologist, whom we consulted based on our doctor’s advice, diagnosed her with “Dyspraxia.” He suggested that with intensive therapy, she could potentially lead a normal life.
When Mia turned 4, another expert informed us that we were in denial about our daughter’s condition and insisted that she was clearly on the autistic spectrum. This specialist wanted to label her as “PDD-NOS.” I was seeking clarity in a diagnosis, but given her strong relationships with family, I sensed this label didn’t fully capture who she was.
Just before her 5th birthday, we visited an orthopedic surgeon after years of physical therapy, shoe inserts, and casts failed to alleviate her severe toe walking. The surgeon diagnosed her with “Cerebral Palsy,” which seemed fitting, although the MRI results were inconclusive. We opted for aggressive treatment, which involved elongating her Achilles tendons and reattaching them. For seven weeks, Mia wore a purple cast on one leg and a pink cast on the other, followed by 18 months of physical therapy focused on proper walking techniques, along with occupational and speech therapy.
Thanks to these interventions, Mia learned to walk flat-footed with balance. This progress allowed her to concentrate on eye contact, engaging in conversations, and expanding her vocabulary. As her frustration diminished, she gained self-control and required less sensory input. Gradually, she phased out of physical therapy, aside from some stretching at home, then she discontinued occupational therapy and, two years ago, speech therapy.
Today, Mia’s labels are vastly different: she’s an honor student, an equestrian, a loyal friend, and an incredible cello player.
We may never know which of the numerous labels assigned by various experts were accurate. I often wonder if my actions had any influence on the challenges Mia faced in her early life. Nevertheless, I’ve always believed in her limitless potential rather than viewing her as limited.
I share this not to boast about Mia (though I am immensely proud), but because I empathize with countless parents of children facing speech challenges, physical limitations, or simply being a bit different. I understand your feelings, and I encourage you to let go of guilt. Instead, celebrate your efforts in nurturing your child to become their best self. You’re already making a significant impact just by loving and accepting them as they are today.
Labels don’t bother me. They can always be removed and replaced with something more fitting.
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Summary
This article recounts a mother’s journey with her daughter, Mia, through various diagnoses and therapies, ultimately celebrating her achievements and growth. It emphasizes the importance of focusing on a child’s potential rather than the labels assigned by professionals, encouraging parents to embrace their children’s uniqueness and support their development.