Let's hear it for our kids' therapists!

This is the message I got tonight from the speech therapist who works with Max at his school:

Hi Ellen,

You probably hear this a lot but it's always nice to hear -- Max is an absolutely amazing kid. He lights up when he sees me, but he always brightens my day. This week, he's been trying so hard to not side swipe the spoon on his cheek, but pull it straight out. He feels so happy when I get excited for him. He amazes and is so smart. He found Sesame Place by showing him 1 time on the ipad. I just don't think I tell families enough how special (in a good way) their kid is and Max is definitely one of them. I'm lucky to work with him!

I bawled.

I have to admit, I tend to take Max's therapists for granted. This e-mail reminded me what a special breed of people they are, and how much of a difference they have made in Max's life—especially his quality of life. He would surely not be doing as well as he is if it weren't for the thousands (yes, thousands) of sessions he has had in the hands of passionate, caring, dedicated, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, resourceful therapists.

That's baby Max above at a holiday party with Nafeesa, the occupational therapist who started seeing him when he was a month old and has been coming to our house twice a week ever since. Back then, she and Max's physical therapist were often my therapists, too. They'd patiently hear out my anxieties and while they weren't ever falsely optimistic, they gave me hope. And told me how cute Max was.

This speech therapist at Max's school is the one who got us to trial the iPad and the Proloquo2go app. She typically answers questions I email her the same day she gets them. If she doesn't know an answer, she researches it. She is open to suggestion, but also has firm opinions of her own. She is a huge champion and cheerleader for Max. Tonight, I feel so grateful for her.

Which therapists in your life do you most cherish?

7 Questions For...a pediatric physical therapist who runs Dancing Dreams

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Joann Ferrera is a physical therapist who runs a program in Bayside, New York, called Dancing Dreams. It's just for kids with physical challenges; many of her students, who range in age from 3 to 16, have cerebral palsy. I am amazed by her; you can't watch this video and not tear up. She recently answered a few questions for me.

So, what made you start Dancing Dreams?
I am a pediatric physical therapist. During PT sessions some patients would dress up and we'd pretend-play. One day a little girl who had on a tutu said to me, "I wish I could be a ballerina like my friends." That made me think, why not?

Can you explain how dancing can be therapeutic to kids with physical challenges?
Any movement is therapeutic. We have seen improvements in balance and movement. It never ceases to amaze me to watch the dancers on stage and the pride they have in their individual accomplishments, be it raising an arm or taking a step. One of our dancers stood independently for the first time during our recital.

How can kids who don't walk participate in dancing?
Our dancers are each paired with a helper, a trained high-school student, to assist during class. Some dancers are in wheelchairs and they move within and with their chair. Some stand with support for some dances and sit for others.

How can a parent do dance therapy at home?
Music is a great motivator! Don't try to be too structured—allow your child to interpret the music and move in whatever way they choose. We use lots of props—scarves, wands and tutus are great! Just remember, keep it fun. It isn't about quality, it's about moving. I find that in general, when kids start to move they will be motivated to work on what they need to, and accomplish what they want to.

What kind of music is good to play?
I use a wide variety, from the "Hokey Pokey" for the youngest group to "Celebration" to "Rock Around The Clock" as well as traditional ballet music. I have a Laura Hausman ballet music CD that I like but I really vary the music—I find that different children respond better to different music. I also like to vary the music as the slower songs are better for controlled movements—keeping the body still while just moving the arms—and the quicker good for quick balance adjustments.

Many people reading this will not have access to your program—do you know of any similar ones around the country?
As far as I know, this program is unique in the set up and the fact that I am a physical therapist. We have recently become a nonprofit and hope to bring the program to more cities in the near future.

What's your absolute best advice for parents of children with special needs?
Every child is unique. Find your child's passion and embrace it whatever it is. From my thirty years of experience as a therapist, I can tell you that is the key to motivation. Find team members who support your child's (and your) goals and who are receptive to your needs. Don't be afraid to question—but take the time to listen to the answers.

For info about the upcoming recital in April (admission is free), visit Dancing Dreams.