Supporting Communication, Strengthening Families

Violet receives physical, occupational, and speech therapy at Easter Seals Greater Houston's Children's Therapy Clinic. She lives with her parents, grandmother, and two siblings. She has diagnoses of cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and suspected cortical visual impairment, which significantly impact her ability to move and communicate independently. Due to her limited expressive communication, her mother must frequently anticipate her wants and needs and maintain a highly structured daily routine. Research consistently demonstrates that caregivers of children with complex medical and communication needs experience increased cognitive load, chronic stress, emotional fatigue, and elevated risk for anxiety and caregiver burnout when required to rely on constant interpretation of nonverbal behaviors.

Continued use of a speech-generating communication device will further unlock Violet’s communication potential and support her participation in homebound school services by allowing her to engage more actively in academic activities. Access to a reliable communication system will reduce communicative ambiguity and the ongoing demand placed on her mother to guess or interpret needs, which research shows is a significant contributor to caregiver stress. Having access to a communication device will enable her to request assistance, express preferences, and communicate boundaries with family members (e.g., “more, go, stop, all done”), promoting greater autonomy and predictability in daily interactions. Since receiving services at Children's Therapy, her mother has reported improved recognition of her daughter’s communicative intent, even without the device. This increased clarity has been associated with reduced caregiver strain, improved emotional regulation, and enhanced caregiver self-efficacy - factors shown in the literature to support caregiver mental health, reduce burnout risk, and improve overall family functioning.

Thankful for the options for our clients especially when it comes to Assistive Technology and our Therapy Clinic and BridgingApps AT lab working together to ensure every child and family has the tools they need to work toward goals, keep the family together, and ensure every child is healthy – physically and mentally. Violet, her mother and their family have been greatly impacted by the programs at ESGH. Grateful for the continued support of Episcopal Health Foundation allowing us to focus on maternal health and the family overall.

Easter Seals Greater Houston's Children's Therapy Clinic provides Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy services for clients ages 1-21 years old with developmental delays and disabilities. Our have specialized training and experience helping children become as independent as possible and participate in family, school, and community activities.

-Miaya Allen, Children's Therapy Clinic, Easter Seals Greater Houston