Tiny Steps, Big Futures​​​

One of our PAT family educators has been working with a family for a few years and has since witnessed remarkable changes in both the child's life and the mother’s ability to advocate.

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Early on, the educator witnesses signs that one of the children might be on the autism spectrum; he was walking on his toes, not making eye contact, and was non-verbal expressing his needs through shrieks or tugging on others. At first, the child's mother believed that he simply needed more time to develop, but as trust grew between her and the educator, she started to express concerns about his communication delays.

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Shortly after a developmental screening, the educator helped the mother reflect on developmental milestones and introduced the idea of early intervention. Although unsure at first, the mother eventually agreed to a referral to CDSA after learning about the importance of early services. The educator supported the family throughout the referral process, ensuring that appointments were scheduled and attended. This led to the child receiving weekly therapy at home and a later transition into a full time pre-school program.

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Now at three and a half years old, the child has made astounding progress, being able to say phrases like “It’s mine” and “No, thank you,” and even engage in parallel play with others. This success is particularly meaningful because the child’s developmental delays had gone unrecognized by their pediatrician. Without PAT’s involvement, he may have fallen through the cracks.

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The family educator emphasizes that the PAT program not only helps parents recognize developmental concerns but also empower them to seek help and become advocates for their children. This story is a powerful example of resilience and transformation, a reflection of the PAT’s mission to walk alongside families as they navigate challenges.