Parent to Parent: Autism Program

WSVN -- William and Tracy were thrilled at the birth of their first son Callum.

But as time went on, they knew something wasn't right.

Tracy McCausland, Parent: "We never heard the mama, dada, baba, none of that."

He wasn't talking, and there were other concerns.

Tracy McCausland, Parent: "He was very slow in terms of his physical development. He missed all of the milestones."

Not sure where to turn for help, Tracy searched the Internet for answers.

That's where they found the Kendall Speech & Language Center, offering a very unique program for kids with special needs.

Wendy Nottoli, Director, Kendall Speech & Language Center: "We're able to look at a child and design a program for a child based on what that child needs."

Desperate for help, the family left their home country of Ireland to come to South Florida.

When Callum first arrived, he was barely making any sounds at all.

Wendy Nottoli: "He could not chew his food, he couldn't keep his lips closed, he was drooling, he had problems with fine motor skills."

Wendy, a speech language pathologist, started with oral motor therapy, a teaching technique using an oral device to improve muscle awareness for clearer speech.

Wendy Nottoli: "Door, door, give me an O."

Next was prompt intervention, where the therapist uses prompts or cues on the jaw, face and under the chin to help develop proper sounds.

And finally music therapy, which had incredible results.

Callum lit up when he heard music, which addresses behavioral, social and cognitive functioning.

Callum is now talking and connecting with other people.

Wendy Nottoli: "Within three weeks, he was already saying sounds that he had never said before."

His parents are amazed and feel this program has truly saved their son.

Tracy McCausland: "He now has a future that he didn't have before."

Lynn Martinez: "The center also focuses on parent training to make sure therapy is continued at home. Wendy says the program is covered by most insurance companies."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Kendall Speech and Language Center
10725 SW 104th Street
Miami, FL 33176
Tel: (305) 274-7883
www.kslc.net