Emlin Lait (center, photo) was not being helped much in 2008 at a pediatric rehabilitation facility in Pittsburgh. Despite numerous visits over two years, her mother, Yvonne Lait, (right, photo) wasn’t seeing much development in speech skills of Emlin, then 5 years old.
“I started doing some research on my own for possibly another place to go and found pediatric therapy at Sharon Regional,” Yvonne recalls. “I was connected with Mary Rauch (pediatric speech therapist and left in photo) and am extremely pleased with the way everything has worked out.” “On our first visit, Mary did an assessment of Emlin’s mouth, nose and throat, and within 10 minutes diagnosed a possible palate problem. This was checked by a specialist and a few months later Emlin had a pharyngeal flap surgical procedure that improved her ability to form words.”
While the surgery provided a change in the physical mechanism, extensive speech therapy is needed to help Emlin learn how to produce oral sounds and to use all her articulators to produce these sounds.
Emlin was born with a diagnosis of DiGeorge Syndrome. The syndrome is a disorder caused by a defect in chromosome 22 and results in the poor development of several body systems. The number and severity of problems associated with DiGeorge syndrome vary greatly. Almost everyone with DiGeorge syndrome needs treatment from specialists in a variety of fields.
At Sharon Regional’s Rehab Center, 2380 Highland Rd., Hermitage, Emlin participates in speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy. At Mercer Elementary School, Emlin is in a learning support class, where she currently reads at a first grade level, and also has occupational and physical therapy.
“I am very happy I took Emlin to Sharon Regional,” adds Yvonne. “We can understand what she’s saying, though sometimes she tries to speak too fast. She has come a long, long way.”
FREE PEDIATRIC DEVELOPMENTAL SCREEN
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 | 10-11 A.M. Diagnostic & Imaging Center
Infant or child’s speech/language skills
Gross motor skills, eye-hand coordination
Fine motor skills
Jennifer Bitner, MS OTR/L
Please call 724-983-5518 for an appointment
Do you have concerns regarding your infant or child's speech/language skills, gross motor skills (roll, sit, crawl, walk, or jump), eye-hand coordination, fine motor or handwriting, feeding, play or social skills? Members of our outpatient pediatric therapy staff offer monthly screens for ages of birth to 6 years.
Our pediatric rehab specialists are dedicated to serving the children of our community with providing excellent service in pediatric occupational, physical, speech/language therapy services. They would love the opportunity to support your child's independence.
For more information or to schedule a private tour, please call the Rehab Center at 724-983-3960