Nancy & Caden’s Story
Nancy was a single mom trying to cope with the death of her husband and raise 11-month-old Caden. Consumed by grief, Nancy tried to focus on her baby’s needs and asked her pediatrician for help. She was referred to CCFI’s Bringing Up Babies (BUB) program. After an assessment, BUB specialist Marisol began weekly home visits. Marisol brought developmental information and games to play with mom and Caden.
Nancy faithfully participated in weekly home visits. She learned that her expectations of Caden to be toilet trained by 12 months were inappropriate and that slapping him was not helping Caden learn, Nancy became a ready learner. The inexpensive games and home made toys and the information about Caden’s brain development represented a whole new set of ideas and practices for her to use in building a close relationship with Caden.
The developmental screenings helped identify Caden’s language delays at 14 months.
When it became clear that Caden’s communications skills and unusual hand flapping behavior needed attention, Marisol directed Nancy to Sooner Start. Caden was diagnosed with Asperger’s Disorder. Nancy was distressed about the Asperger’s diagnosis, but realized after talking to other moms in the monthly BUB Circle of Parents support group, that identifying this issue early was very important for Caden’s future.
Today, Nancy is remarried and has a baby girl. She is thrilled to see Caden cuddling his little sister and to know that she has the skills now to deal with both Caden and Sally. Nancy credits the BUB program for helping her young family get the right start for their lives together.
