Combining pediatric speech and occupational therapy is a “sign” of the times

Play-based therapy helps Kaya Heuberger communicate via sign language

Kaya Heuberger had her first infantile spasm at nine months of age. When a year of injections failed to stop her episodes, Kaya was diagnosed with epilepsy. Since then, she has been on a series of medications in attempt to control her seizures.

Although Kaya’s family and doctors recognized that she showed several signs of being developmentally delayed, her doctor recommended waiting on developmental health treatment until she turned two.

“Kaya wasn’t talking or following directions,” says her mother, Randi Heuberger. “She was way behind typical developmental benchmarks. Some unexplained scar tissue on her brain has been discovered, but other than that doctors can’t find anything out of the ordinary.”

The Heuberger’s were referred directly to Nicole Collings at Salem Hospital’s Regional Rehabilitation Center for speech therapy.

Collings recognized that before Kaya could learn to speak or sign, she needed to be able to identify her surroundings through play. She, and an occupational therapist, worked together to help Kaya advance.

“Once Kaya understood how to play, she learned to sign things such as ‘ball, swing or jump,’” says Collings.

The therapists included the Heubergers in Kaya’s sessions. Kaya also received co-treatments with other children, encouraging social interaction and communication.

Having been unaware that occupational therapy existed for children, the Heubergers now feel blessed to have been referred to the Regional Rehabilitation Center.

“Kaya signs lots of words, points and communicates now,” says Randi. “Her ability to interact continues to progress. Her therapists have been fabulous.”