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Charlotte's Dream Journal
Age 9
Motto: "Have Hope"
Diagnosis: PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated
with Streptococcal Infection)
High School Team: Vandergrift HS Dance
12/15/2022
Charlotte's mom Kim has some uplifting news to share!
Charlotte has been working hard on writing and reading. At the start of the school year, she tested at a pre-K reading level. With CC4C's help, a special education tutor has been working with her several times a week. Today, she was able to independently spell/write her very first Christmas list.
Congratulations and Merry Christmas, Charlotte! From your CC4C Family
10/30/2021
And just like that my beautiful baby is 8!!! says Kim, Charlotte's mom.
She’s been extra independent lately. She’s slowly learning to read and read her first sentence last night! She requested a “fancy restaurant” for her birthday, which means this authentic but kinda dive Italian restaurant we love. Her favorite thing ever is having sleepovers with her cousin.
They told us she may never talk or walk 6 years ago.
They told us she may never be independent 5 years ago.
They told us she belonged in special ed because she had too many needs 4 years ago.
Here’s to breaking through every barrier, crushing every goal and working harder than anyone I know. You’re amazing, kiddo.
Happy Birthday, Charlotte! From your CC4C Family
8/12/2021
Charlotte was able to start general education first grade! She loves being with her peers. She is learning how to read and is excited for the school. She has also began taking gymnastics classes. She could not focus for classes and did not have muscle strength due to her hypotonia to balance, roll, etc. But nevertheless, she's doing awesome!
April 2021
August 2019
Charlotte was a typically developing baby. She was always happy and laughing. At 14 months, she lost her previously acquired words and could no longer walk.
She began speech and occupational therapy at 16 months. At 24 months, she was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. We began 35 hours a week of applied behavioral analysis therapy in addition to continuing speech and OT. Around age 5, Charlotte began experiencing tics, OCD and mood swings.
She was diagnosed with PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infection) by a MAPS (Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs) doctor familiar with PANS/ PANDAS. PANDAS is a little-known psychiatric condition that can occur in children after exposure to the strep virus. We began treatment for PANDAS, and Charlotte's symptoms are for the most part managed through therapies.
Charlotte has made so much progress with therapies and with her MAPS doctor. She has gone from non-verbal to speaking in short sentences. She was not aware/present in our world from age 2 to 4, and now she constantly wants us involved and playing with her. Charlotte loves swimming, playing with our dogs, Barbies, and dancing to all the songs from Frozen.