ECI

Early Childhood Intervention came to our house today. They brought a vision teacher, Mrs. Jane, to go over a few things with Addison. She responded very well to the Mrs. Jane and the teacher taught me some exercises to do with her during the day. They checked her development and said she is on a 6- month level on most all things except pushing up with her arms during tummy time. We tried to get her to push up several times but she never would do it. BUT... as soon as Mrs. Jane left... she did it!! what a little toot! :) Mrs. Jane suggested that we buy Addi several colored toys to make sure she can differentiate colors. (Some children with albinism have issues with colors). We played with light up toys and watched Addi grab things, coo, cry, eat, roll over, etc. She said babies at 2 months of age are only supposed to see 12 inches in front of their face, and we are thinking that's about what Addi sees right now (maybe a little less, maybe not).. so we are doing pretty well so far with vision (minus the nystagmus and stabismus.) Mrs. Jane explained to me how Addi will have issues seeing details in peoples faces and how if they are standing in front of a lighted window she will only see silhouettes. She also told me when we have our tummy time to lay Addi on a solid color blanket instead of one that has patterns. This is so that she can easily see her toys. I think it may have to do with her perception being a little off too and everything kind of meshing together. Mrs. Jane wants us to meet up with another one of her students/patients, a 3 year old little girl that has the same type albinism as Addi and is doing exceptionally well. We haven't made any plans for a visit yet, but may do so in the future. The vision teacher is going to visit Addi twice a month to check her development and give us tid bits of information to help her. I learned a lot out of her visit and cant wait to apply some of her techniques and see how Addi responds.