Grace’s Transformation: Finding Success By Addressing Early Childhood Concerns

Grace’s Transformation:
Finding Success By Addressing Early Childhood Concerns
 
Grace is a free-spirited child who is adored by her parents but what was not always visible were her internal struggles. Things that other children take for granted such as understanding social cues, being able to focus, and even just climbing the stairs and balancing from side to side were difficult for her.

Grace was born with hip dysplasia. What many don’t understand is that early childhood health concerns like this can ripple through every stage of development. For children like Grace, the impact can extend far beyond the physical—affecting their ability to learn, feel confident, and make friends.

By the time she was 10 years old, she had already endured five surgeries. After her final procedure, she spent six long weeks confined to a body cast. While the operations corrected her hips, the immobility left lasting effects: Grace struggled with simple movements like climbing, balancing, and keeping up with her friends on the playground.

Her mom, Anna, a special education teacher, began to notice something deeper too.
“She couldn’t connect what she was learning in school,” Anna recalls. “She was easily distracted, struggled to read, and often missed normal social cues.”

When the family relocated from out of state to the Twin Cities, Grace’s school told Anna that her IEP would no longer apply. This devastating news meant the safety net she had relied on for her daughter was suddenly gone. Determined to find help, Anna pressed forward until a friend referred her to A Chance To Grow.

At ACTG, an audiology evaluation revealed Grace had an auditory processing disorder—she wasn’t able to make sense of the information she heard. However, instead of rushing to treat this diagnosis directly, ACTG’s team of professionals recognized that her underlying motor skills needed to be rebuilt first so that she would be more successful with the auditory program. That’s when Grace began seeing her occupational therapist, Alyssa.

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Together, they started with the basics: strengthening core muscles, improving reflexes, and re-training the brain and body to work together. Through innovative therapies—like MNRI reflex integration, yoga, and S.M.A.R.T. activities—Grace began to cross milestones her family once feared she would never reach. It was amazing!

“When we first started, Grace dreaded field trips or any physical activities,” Alyssa says. “Now, as her reflexes and endurance grow, her anxiety is fading. She’s participating with more confidence than ever before.”

The changes haven’t just been physical. Grace’s memory retention and executive functioning have improved, and she has transitioned to a new school with resources that better support her learning.
Most importantly, Grace is smiling again. She is gaining confidence, thriving in therapy, and looking forward to what’s ahead.
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“She’s always been a free spirit,” Anna says, “and now, with Alyssa’s help, she’s finally able to let that shine.”

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