Jane Herron, early intervention specialist with the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, regularly performs interactive play therapy and music with little Addison Shimmel, of Richmond, to help build the autistic girl’s communication skills. Herron has worked with Addison since the child was 18 months old and soon she will turn 3 and head to preschool. (Photo provided)

RICHMOND – For the first nine months of her life, little Addison Shimmel appeared to be the typical tyke.

The daughter of David and Alexis Shimmel of Richmond, she was able to address her parents as “Mama” and “Dada” and would call to her older brother, Anthony. But at age 1, her ability to communicate began to decline and she was subsequently diagnosed with Level Two Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which is characterized by moderate challenges in social communication and repetitive behaviors and requires substantial support for daily functioning.

Addison’s family has collaborated with local agencies, including the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ Early Intervention (EI) program and Easter Seals.

The EI program supports children from birth to age 3 who experience developmental delays or disabilities, which include challenges in personal, social, adaptive, language, motor, or cognitive skills. The program offers services such as special instruction, occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, as well as assistance in vision, hearing, mental health, and nutrition which includes feeding therapy.

Now the little girl is finding ways to regain her voice and music has played a role in her therapy. With the hum of a familiar tune, she is making progress.

“She needs general assistance and support,” said EI specialist Jane Herron. “She is just starting to get actual verbal cues. At first, she did not acknowledge me when we were in the same room and she didn’t play with the toys.”

“There was no affection, no smiles,” Alexis Shimmel added. “I remember in her first year that she said words, and then I noticed as time went on she was a shell. It was a very traumatizing event and felt like the flick of a light switch. I didn’t want to be in denial, but it was a scary time and I was at a loss.”

A visit to the doctor ultimately led to Addison working with Easterseals in Wheeling and the EI program through JCBDD for more than a year. Herron spends nearly an hour each week observing and working with the child at home, performing play therapy and utilizing musical toys, letters, and visual aids to help the little girl build skills. She said Addison gravitates toward colors and puzzles and recognizes tunes such as “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” She will be celebrating her third birthday in May and soon head off to preschool at John Gregg Elementary.

Herron noted that Addison’s eye contact has improved and she interacts more often. Additionally, she uses a visual board with magnets and has learned some American Sign Language. She said music has also been beneficial.

“She’s starting to say ‘thank you’ and ‘I love you,’ and music has been the key,” Alexis noted. “She will sing ‘I love you’ back.”

Addison also goes to Easter Seals each week for occupational and speech therapy and Alexis frequently works with her at home, even purchasing toys and aids similar to the ones Herron uses to help Addison’s learning skills keep up its momentum. The family is also seeking applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy to attain a positive outcome.

From what she has seen thus far, Herron is very optimistic.

“It’s incredibly rewarding for me because sometimes even the smallest suggestions have helped her life and it makes me feel good to support her. She’s very curious and has made significant progress. She now initiates actions with me which didn’t happen in the beginning,” she said. “At first, there was no engagement, but now she takes the initiative. She’s eating better, feeding herself, brushing her teeth and taking baths. She’s just growing so much and now she’s affectionate, too. Mom says, ‘Jane’s coming,’ and she looks at the door. She’s like a completely different child.”

“Amen,” Alexis responded.

“Once she learns to talk more, I think she’s going to do well. Autism is a social communication issue, and that’s what I see with her,” Herron commented.

And Alexis was extremely appreciative of all of the assistance her daughter has been given.

“I honestly wouldn’t know what to do without it,” she concluded. “I’ve been with Addison every step of the way and it has helped tremendously. Sometimes all you need is a little push in the right direction. I’m forever grateful.”

For more information about EI’s services, call (740) 264-7176, Ext. 2508.