Fall 2010
The most recent Quarterly Discussion Series was held September 30, 2010 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Dell Children’s Medical Center in the Signe Auditorium. The event featured a talk about “Getting the Most Out of Early Intervention” by Chris Watkins of Early Childhood Intervention (ECI). Download the flier from the event.
The September talk video is now available:
- September 30 – Discussion Series Video – Part 1
- September 30 – Discussion Series Video – Part 2
- September 30 – Discussion Series Video – Part 3
Early childhood presents a brief window of opportunity to influence lifelong development and to prevent or minimize developmental challenges. Chris Watkins shared how to get the most out of early intervention, what happens upon transition out of the ECI program and what ongoing therapies may be necessary for continued developmental growth.
Local therapy practices which attended:
- Any Baby Can
- Children’s Therapeutics
- Children’s Therapy Services
- Dell Children’s Medical Center
- Early Childhood Intervention
- Growing Places Therapy
- KidWorks Therapy
- Language & Movement
- Little Tesoros
- Live Oak Center for Communication Disorders
- Red Wagon
- Sante Pediatric Services
- WaterWay Babies
Following her talk, a panel of local therapists answered questions from the audience on a wide variety of topics. Panelists who attended included Doug Levine, PLLC, Growing Places Therapy Services; Jill Munch, CCC, SLP, Red Wagon Therapy; Donna Young-Smith, Little Tesoros; and Katie Navarro, PT, Dell Children’s Medical Center. They each underscored the importance of checking things out and asking questions if parents feel something isn’t right or have a suspicion. The earlier issues are addressed, the better it is. They encouraged parents to not be afraid to call if they had questions later on. After the panel, representatives from 13 local therapy practices attended for introductions and to answer questions.
Research shows early intervention has profoundly positive effects on preemies who may need assistance reaching developmental milestones. Because each child is different, some challenges may be seen early, and some many not be identified until a child starts school. Accessing developmental milestone checklists using the child’s adjusted age can be helpful as well as keeping in touch with your child’s pediatrician.
What Parents Said
“It was good to see you and the meeting was so informative. I now understand some of what is going on to this day with Jakey.” ~ Irma Schneider
“My husband and I really enjoyed the discussion series again last night. Thank you for offering this great resource to parents and we look forward to many more in the future.” ~ Katrina Moline
Chris Watkins is a certified, licensed speech language pathologist. She has worked for over 25 years in several capacities in the Texas Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) system as an assistant program director, training coordinator, a speech language pathology contractor, and as a staff ECI speech language pathologist.
Summer 2010
The premiere Quarterly Discussion Series featured Dr. Jennifer Gunter, a nationally and internationally renowned obstetrician/gynecologist, mother and recent author of The Preemie Primer. Dr. Gunter discussed the “Mind-Body Connection and Prematurity” on June 23, 2010, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The free event was open to the public and took place at St. David’s Medical Center, 911 East 32nd St., Austin, Texas, in the Conference Hall (Basement).
Quarterly Discussion Series “Mind Body Connection & Prematurity” (June 2010)
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
Whether it’s been days or years since you’ve uttered the words “premature” or “NICU”, meeting Dr. Jennifer Gunter was a do-not-miss opportunity for families whose pregnancy did not go as planned. If your baby is in the NICU or already in kindergarten…If you’re managing ongoing medical care or feel as though the entire experience is long behind you… this discussion was valuable in understanding how your well-being has been affected. The adage “take care of yourself so you can take care of others” certainly applies here. Dr. Gunter likens the birth of a premature baby to “being dropped in a foreign country without a guide, a map or language skills.”She delved into the science behind the mind-body connection and how it helps parents ensure their children reach their full potential.
She also shared techniques, the benefit of support programs, and unrecognized symptoms of depression and PTSD. Even if you feel unfazed, this unique opportunity will strengthen your ability to support friends who have a similar experience or help as you serve as a volunteer peer in Hand to Hold’s Helping Hands program which matches seasoned NICU parents with recent NICU families.
Parents who’ve shared a similar journey met one another and heard from Dr. Gunter. Her personal story is available at http://sanfrancisco.parenthood.com/SF_FEATmedicine_1009.php
Dr. Jennifer Gunter is an Internationally renowned OB/GYN and leader in the field of women’s pain medicine. She is also the mother of three boys born extremely prematurely, two of whom survived. She is the author of The Preemie Primer, a comprehensive and practical resource for parents of premature babies to help guide them from pregnancy, through the NICU, to the toddler years and beyond.
