For Emmy, occupational therapy became more than a place to work on skills. It became a place where she could learn more about herself, build confidence and prepare for whatever came next.
Emmy began occupational therapy (OT) following her autism diagnosis. At the time, her mom, Morgan, wasn’t sure what to expect. Everything felt new and uncertain, but it didn’t take long for their family to realize they had found something Emmy needed.
“Fresh off a new Autism diagnosis it felt like walking in a fog,” Morgan said. “We very quickly realized that while new and unknown, this was exactly where we needed to be to help Emmy gain skills essential for daily life.”
Emmy worked with the same occupational therapist, Ms. Michelle, who became an important part of Emmy’s and her family’s life. Together, they worked on everything from trying new foods and developing fine motor skills to learning daily self-help tasks.
Each new chapter brought new challenges. But Emmy had the support and skills she needed to face them. And while OT was designed to help Emmy build independence, Morgan says the benefits extended to the entire family.
“In addition to helping Emmy I could argue that both my husband and I gained just as much from Ms. Michelle. She helped us understand Emmy better.”
Therapy gave Emmy’s parents a deeper understanding of why certain things were difficult for their daughter and what they could do to help. Why certain textures upset her. Why seemingly simple tasks, like writing, could be challenging. Why movement could help when Emmy became overwhelmed.
“The best thing you can give to new Autism parents is knowledge and we were given that at a time when we didn’t know our left from our right,” Morgan said.
That knowledge helped Emmy’s family understand her, advocate for her and support her as she grew.
As Emmy grew and her needs evolved, additional therapy outside of school continued to play an important role in helping her practice and build upon the skills she was learning. Through Variety’s TherHappy Kids program, Emmy’s family received assistance to help make that additional support possible.
“The Therhappy grant we received ensured that she was able to remain in weekly OT at PS Kids ensuring she never had a regression of any of the skills she’d already been working so hard on.”
That support gave Emmy the opportunity to continue building on the skills she had worked so hard to develop—and ultimately reach a milestone her family is celebrating today: her graduation from OT. But this wasn’t just the end of an appointment or the closing of a chapter. It was a celebration of everything Emmy had accomplished.
As Emmy and Ms. Michelle said their goodbyes, Emmy looked at her therapist and said, “I genuinely can’t thank you enough for everything.” Then she gave her the biggest, longest hug.
Morgan watched as her daughter’s eyes filled with happy tears, something she rarely does, and recognized just how far Emmy had come.
“For someone who frequently has trouble identifying emotions it is HUGE that she got to experience and more importantly understand the difference between happy and sad tears. OT made that possible!”
Today Emmy is stepping into her next chapter with skills, confidence and a better understanding of herself and the world around her.
“Mrs. Michelle hasn’t only taught me more about myself but also my parents and I could never be more thankful for that. Even at home it still feels like she is with me.”
-Emmy
For her family, Variety’s impact has stretched far beyond financial assistance. It has helped ensure Emmy could access the services and experiences that have supported her growth throughout childhood.
“The financial support we have received from Variety over the years that helped Emmy continue receiving OT services have no doubt helped shape Emmy into the amazing human she is today.”
Help More Kids Reach Their Next Milestone
Emmy’s story is a powerful reminder that progress is built one step at a time. It happens through small victories, new challenges, difficult transitions and moments that may seem ordinary to someone else, but are extraordinary for a child and their family.
Emmy shared, “OT meant everything to me. It taught me skills that got me through elementary and middle school. And I know it is also going to help me throughout high school.”
And OT is only one part of Emmy’s Variety story. Along the way, she has also found opportunities to learn, explore and have fun through Variety’s Adventure Camp and Theatre program. Each experience has given Emmy another opportunity to build confidence, discover her interests and grow alongside her peers.
Today, Emmy no longer needs therapy assistance. She is ready for what comes next. But there are countless other children and families still waiting for their next opportunity.
Your support can help make that next step possible. When you give to Variety, you help children with disabilities access the equipment, therapy and experiences they need to reach their goals and help families know they don’t have to navigate the journey alone.
Help make the next milestone possible for a Variety Kid.
As Morgan says:
“From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU VARIETY! We will forever and always be thankful for the blessing you have given us for many many years.”
