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Wonderland Developmental Center

Family Connections

Noah's Story

With his dark head of hair, beautiful eyes and sweet demeanor, two year-old Noah may not immediately seem like a child with a developmental delay or disability.

However, after many months of eating, sleep and reflux issues as a baby, he was referred to Wonderland Developmental Center by his pediatrician. “He wasn’t gaining weight, and we were having a really hard time communicating with him,” said his mother Aiko. Then doctors noticed his speech was delayed. “We were struggling as first time parents.   I didn’t know what he wanted. There were so many times I wanted to just give up.”

Noah was assigned to a team of professionals at Wonderland who take an integrated approach to early intervention including: special education, speech and occupational therapy, mental health support and family resources. “It’s really a partnership with the parents,” explained Jane Lindsay, Noah’s Special Educator.  ”Our services address issues early on and set kids and parents on a positive path for pre-school and Kindergarten. Early intervention is the critical factor.”

Aiko explains, “For a long time, I was constantly worried about my son. The people at Wonderland gave us things to try with Noah, and when it those things worked, my husband and I gained confidence and courage not to give up.  My feelings of anxiety were relieved, and now I am calm with him. I know Noah feels that.”

Noah and Aiko attend Wonderland’s free Play and Learn groups, and have also attended a recent speech education course for parents. “I needed more advice beyond what I was getting from my friends. Talking and sharing with other parents at Wonderland has been very helpful. And, because the staff at Wonderland work together and share information about Noah, I feel safe and comfortable, because many people are looking out for him. “

While the future is still uncertain, Aiko and her husband are confident that they can navigate whatever comes their way and Wonderland is committed to supporting them throughout their journey. “I now have a big hope for Noah,” said Aiko, “Every small step forward makes me want to keep doing more for him,” said Aiko, “and Wonderland is helping us do that.”

Please consider supporting our efforts to help other kids like Noah

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Lauren's Story

Three year-old Lauren is a bright and cheery little girl who, as a baby, developed fairly typically. She crawled at one year, and walked at 18 months. "After that, her development boundaries kept getting pushed out," said her Mom, Christina. "We had her evaluated by Wonderland, and discovered some things that we needed to work on."

While Lauren was cognitively "off the charts," she was behind socially, emotionally, and in her motor skills. She had trouble balancing on one foot, getting up from the floor, walking down stairs, and had to be carried a lot, even at two years old. Because these things were so challenging for Lauren, she became overly dependant on her mother to do even simple things, like play on a playground.

Later on, at three years old, she was diagnosed with high-functioning Autism. "It was a certainly a blow to hear the diagnosis, but at the same time we were relieved to have a name for what was going on. "Lauren is a perfectionist and wants to do things perfectly," said Christina, "This was causing delays for her. We were really struggling, and didn't understand why things were happening until our therapist helped us uncover the issues."

Christina happens to have a degree in medical advocacy, with an emphasis on children. "Who knew I would use my knowledge so close to home?" she said, "I am now an even larger support of early intervention." She refers to Wonderland's in-home visits and strength-based approach as "priceless." "Because kids act differently in their own environments, it's important to see them there. Plus, not having the conflict with Lauren about getting dressed was so much easier. If she wanted to sit in her diaper during the appointment, that was OK."

Lauren's therapists helped her and her family to develop simple things in their home they could all work on together, like practicing jumping off the bottom step every day, and learning how to deal with tantrums. She was fitted with orthotics which improved her motor skills. "Sometimes it's just nice to have confirmation that you're doing things right," said Christina.

"I love having the community of other parents at Wonderland," she explained. "We attended the free Play and Learn groups and have also done Summer Camp here. Now Lauren's vocabulary has exploded. She's more expressive and her confidence has shot up. She has no issues separating because she's in a safe, nurturing environment."

Since turning three, Lauren has graduated from Wonderland and will be starting preschool this Fall. Family Resource Coordinators at Wonderland make this transition as easy as possible for families, helping them by researching preschools and programs available in their neighborhoods, arranging tours and visits, and even accompanying the parent if there is a language or cultural barrier.

Lauren went from being adult-dependant to being able to climb a rope ladder at the playground all on her own. She is no longer hesitant to go outside without her Mom, despite the rain or even snow.

"Wonderland is a sigh of relief to parents of kids with special needs," said Christina. "As a Mom, they helped me to be an advocate for Lauren, and it helped tremendously just to know that someone was looking out for us. We feel so blessed."

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Wonderland is looking for families who are willing to share their stories on our website. For more information, please speak with your family resources coordinator, or contact the Wonderland office at 206-364-3777 or info@wdcbirthtothree.org.