The TEAMability difference
Despite challenges, the TEAMability therapists who have worked with Ryan for the past decade have stopped at nothing to ensure he reaches new milestones. That care and dedication are leagues ahead of other therapy centers that Ryan has used, said his mother, Tina Mann.
At a previous therapy center, Tina recalled a therapist telling Ryan that he did not want to be there as they worked with him using the same routine over and over. Tina said that center was not joyful, and Ryan made no progress.
“Then, we started going to TEAMability, and you could tell Ryan was working really hard,” Tina said. “He would be tired when he was done. But he also just loved being there. Every time, he would loudly protest leaving.”
Speech therapy and assistive technology
At TEAMability, Ryan takes advantage of occupational, physical and speech therapy. His speech therapist has worked with him for six years to refine his use of eye-operated assistive technology, called Eyegaze, which he uses to select words and communicate.
“He doesn’t have language to speak with,” Tina said. “So, the Eyegaze gives him the ability to communicate.”
Now, for instance, if someone visits their home, Ryan can ask them if they’d like play a game with him.
Physical therapy and active learning
Tina said that during physical therapy at TEAMability, Ryan might be working on sitting or standing while a teacher encourages active learning as his muscles work.
“It helps engage Ryan’s brain when he’s standing or doing physical activities,” Tina said. “Some people think it’s a distraction, but it’s actually really good for his brain to be actively learning at the same time he’s doing the physical activity.”
