Walk to the Music

A beautiful and delightful two year old girl, Paige arrived at blueballoon with several challenges.

At the age of eighteen months, Paige, was neither walking nor talking. She was on a wait-list for a government funded program; but as the wait dragged on, her parents became increasingly concerned and so they decided to contact blueballoon. "To my surprise, I heard back from them the very next day, and we were in for an assessment in less than a week!" said Meaghan (Paige’s Mom).

After assessing Paige, the team recommended a music supported speech therapy program led by lead music therapist Noreen Donnell and Cuevas MEDEK Exercises led by physiotherapist, Stephanie Bulk.

Paige was highly responsive to music and within a few sessions her play and social skills began to emerge.  “I was thrilled to be able to witness Paige playing, smiling, interacting and making the most of her time at the center” reported Meaghan.

A few weeks into Paige's speech program, Meaghan and her husband decided to begin physiotherapy. Paige's initial physiotherapy sessions with Stephanie were difficult since Paige was not eager to engage in the exercises. "It was difficult to work with Paige,” Stephanie clearly recalled “she was dysregulated and more interested in finding a way out of doing the exercises.”

Challenged to find a way to engage her, Stephanie consulted with Paige’s therapy team. Because Paige was highly responsive to music, it was decided to try a co-treatment session with music therapy.

Noreen Donnell, Lead Music Therapist, with over 20 years of experience working with children, is part improviser, part clinician, part musician. She brings all these pieces together to best serve and treat her young clients. In Paige's case, Noreen “used music to capture Paige’s attention, sustain her focus, and motivate her to complete the exercises.”  Each session began with a few familiar songs to ease Paige into the exercises and allow her to get comfortable. Noreen would sing a repetitive chorus while sitting directly across from Paige to hold her attention. This helped to decrease Paige’s anxiety while Stephanie challenged her stability with the exercises. Paige often 'lost herself' in the music which allowed Stephanie to decrease the support she applied until Paige was standing and moving support-free.

Introducing music to Paige's therapy sessions was a success and after a few weeks Paige was on the move and walking independently!  “I was lucky enough to witness Paige’s first steps during her co-treatment. What a gift that was. I fondly refer to Noreen and Stephanie as our 'Dream Team'. Paige was extremely unsure and insecure about learning to walk initially and through their collaboration she became more comfortable and made rapid progress. Now she’s walking all over the house, the neighborhood and even the grocery store! Many of our friends and family cannot believe that she’s the same child from just earlier this year. These two wonderful women worked with Paige so well, showing enthusiasm, compassion, patience and a willingness to adapt to her needs as they arise.”  

Paige is currently continuing her CME program, working on higher level motor skills such as walking over uneven terrain, stepping up and down stairs, and walking up and down inclines. The focus of Paige's therapy program will soon shift again to continue developing Paige's speech and social skills through music and group programs.  

“I am thrilled to be able to attend these sessions and watch my daughter grow, learn and become her own little person. We truly look forward to all of the time she spends with her good friends at blueballoon!”

- Paige’s Mother, Meaghan