Meeting the needs of every child with NPH Early Stimulation Programs
For some children, the right intervention makes all the difference. Septiembre 20, 2019 - México
Isabel was just five days old when she arrived.
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The year was 2013 and NPH was about to celebrate its 59th anniversary, but something happened in Mexico: a five-day-old baby girl arrived at the home. This was something unexpected and it posed a new challenge for NPH Mexico.
That baby girl—we’ll call her Isabel—represented the beginning of the early stimulation program. She showed us that a firm foundation for the development of motor and social skills is essential to the future success and quality of life of children like Isabel.
In those early days, the psychopedagogical department and the medical center forged a new collaboration to accomplish this goal. It all started with Isabel and her development.
Her initial therapy course ran three hours a day for five days each week. Over time, her sessions were reduced to two hours a day once a week.
“There are a lot of nerve and muscle groups we stimulate in this program, from the basics like muscular stimulation or first sounds and words up to the social development that is important for small children,” says Citlali Flores, head of the psychopedagogical department.
Kids age 0 to 6 can participate in the early stimulation program, providing them with the tools to develop their skills and be prepared for primary school on day one.
Therapist Cassandra García cares for the children in Miacatlán. She believes this therapy is fundamental for their well-being, “when you see other children the same age who didn´t have the chance to do an early stimulation program, you can see the difference. It’s notable and they grow up with the confidence to overcome obstacles.”
Isabel and Cassandra have a real bond—you can see it in Isabel’s eyes the moment the little girl sees Cassandra coming. You see proof of the program’s benefits in all the gains Isabel has made over time and in the confidence the other kids in the program exude.
Today there are three other children in the early stimulation program with Isabel. Each of them has their own particular challenge but all show signs of improvement. Each of them is focused on their next step: primary school.
Children’s names have been changed to protect their privacy.
Ivan Sotelo Communication Officer
Tal vez para el mundo sólo seas una persona, pero para una persona eres todo su mundo.
—Padre William Wasson
