Riley and Astor Jones

When Riley and Astor Jones start school in a year, people will never guess they had developmental issues. LaunchAbility’s ECI program helped them become confident and independent toddlers who are ready to take on the world.

Twins Riley and Astor Jones were born at 29 weeks gestation. After 6 weeks in the NICU, they were released and when ECI performed an initial evaluation, the twins did not qualify for services. Mom became concerned and called ECI again when she noticed that her niece who is three months younger than the twins, was able to hold her head without it "bobbling". This time the twins qualified for services, not only to help with motor skill development but to assist with sleeping and eating as well.

ECI took the twins into the program and it took several weeks to get their sleeping and eating under control. Their occupational therapist noticed that Riley had some tightness in his muscles and was walking on his toes and started therapy. Mom and Dad were also taught the techniques used, so Riley would get continual and consistent care. The twins responded well to therapy and started walking at 16 months. Their therapy sessions then transitioned to language development.

The ECI therapy sessions began at home and their parents played a big role in helping them progress. When both Mom and Dad went back to work, ECI helped them find a babysitter who offered an at home situation with a small group of kids. ECI shifted from home therapy to working with Riley and Astor at the babysitter’s home. This regimen allows their therapist to work with all of the kids and encourages the twins to imitate sounds with the other children for song time, story time and other activities. Now, the twins are using words to express themselves.

“LaunchAbility’s ECI program has given us hope at every stage of development- we have never been alone. They have been there to help guide and provide us with resources to help us make the right decisions for our children,” said Adriann Jones. “We are watching Riley and Astor become more independent and confident in everything they do. We are excited about their future and grateful to ECI for changing our lives.”