Just had a HORRIBLE experience with the Occupational Therapist Regional Center sent to work with Moriah. It was his second time coming to work with her, and I already had my reservations about him from the last time. Everytime I would ask him questions, he would explain it to me in terms that I could not understand. I had to keep asking him over and over again until he simplified it for me (what the heck are joint compressures to help the posteriur and anteriour trunk blah blah blah). He never once looked at Moriah nor talked to her. He went straight to these way too difficult exercises for her and made her cry everytime. I kept asking if he could do other exercises to help build Moriah's strength up to do the difficult ones, and he said no, that either she can do them or not. The worst was how he made me feel like I had to apologize for my daughter.
The session ended on a terrible note. Needless to say he will not be coming back. I am so frustrated with Regional Center because we applied back in May and only now they send me someone - and the therapist was AWFUL.
We miss our OT Gina and PT Dave, who were through our private insurance. Moriah really needs these therapies, but we've tapped out our limit with what our insurance company gives us for PT and OT. I am just tired and frustrated of dealing with these sorts of things.
Sigh.
Any advice, suggestions, encouragements are welcome.
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7 comments:
Oh, dear friend. I empathize and send hugs. And a cupcake.
I am newly navigating these waters as well - so I will be anxious to read the advice of other more experienced parents. So far everything with our regional center has taken SOOO L O N G to get started, but we have been blessed by wonderful people (so far - we still have some pending therapies and who knows what we'll get with those).
Early on, I made a promise to myself and Vivian: I would only surround ourselves with uplifting and supportive friends, doctors, therapists. If the doctor is considered "the best" but was icky to interact with, I will not go to him/her. I only want people who care for Vivian and can help me help my daughter in a positive way.
All that to say, I admire that you did not tolerate that icky OT's behavior and attitude. That kind of person does not help Moriah or you.
What did your service coordinator say? Is s/he going to be helpful in finding a better match? Is there a developmental center you go to at CHLA? I know the developmental center at LPCH has a program coordinator who helped get the ball rolling for services through the regional center, and she has always told me she would be available to help us if the regional center was taking too long/ not getting services going - she seemed to know "the system" really well.
Oh, I've written a novel, without giving much concrete help, I'm afraid.
But let me end by saying: Moriah is so blessed to have you and Justin as parents. Completely, utterly blessed.
Keep being an advocate for your daughter. You have to be vocal about how you feel. Call the regional center and make sure to talk to management so they know how you feel and demand that they provide a better therapist and keep fighting until they do. They are providing a service and your family are their customer... : ) Hang in there.
I'm new to your blog, but also from SoCal! :) I just wanted to say stay strong when you advocate for your child. Regional Center sure does suck sometimes, doesn't it! I hope they get your daughter a much better therapist, and quickly.
Victoria,
I hope that today is a better day. I am so sorry that yesterday was so rough. I hope that they do something about that sweet little Moriah's therapist. Don't ever stop fighting for your daughter or feeling bad for sticking up for her! You are doing the right thing and you are doing a GREAT job. She is so very very lucky to have you! I am praying for you daily. Take good care and have a great rest of your week.
Hugs,
Tanya
that has to be the most horrible thing ever! I mean lucas always had a love hate relationship with his therapist but that was way over the line. poor baby girl
This is horrific. Never once has Reuben been treated like this, my heart goes out to you. Every child deserves to be treated with respect, it is surely part of the mission statement of the centre. I agree with Hannah... you have to surround yourself with positive people.. things are tough enough as it is. Reu has a ball at his therapy sessions now and is shown so much respect. Can you speak to someone at the centre about how you've been treated, can they suggest someone else? We get all Reu's PT, OT and now ST for free via the Regional Centre. You would apply for that too
PS all our PT is at home (3hrs) and OT (2hrs) is at Therapy West in Venice.
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