Roger Albrecht makes progress one step, one smile at a time

Roger Albrecht plays with a pop-up toy with his physical therapist McKenzie Vermeire, PT, DPT, and his mom, Lynae, at Mankato Clinic Pediatric Therapy Services.

Roger Albrecht

makes progress one step, one smile at a time

By Marie Wood

When Roger Albrecht, 3, comes to Mankato Clinic Pediatric Therapy Services twice a week, he has big smiles for the staff. His speech language pathologist sits on a kid-size chair at Roger’s level as they work with flash cards to help Roger choose between eating Cheerios or blowing bubbles.

Roger was born with Cri du chat syndrome, a rare genetic disorder in which a variable portion of chromosome 5 is missing. The syndrome causes developmental disabilities in eating, speaking, sitting and walking. At age 3, Roger is learning to walk.

His mom, Lynae Albrecht, has joined the sessions today. Lynae is catching up on Roger’s progress and learning more ways to help him at home.

“You can tell that Roger has progressed. His mobility is improved. He is more active now. Before he didn’t really move a whole lot. We’re trying to get him to walk and use his arms more. He’s more dexterous. He picks up toys and he’s using his legs,” Lynae said.

Roger is the youngest of four boys. While it’s hard and stressful raising a child with health issues, Lynae and Adam Albrecht said Roger has brought the family closer together.

Due to his diagnosis, Roger receives his primary care from Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, which has a convenient satellite location at the Mankato Clinic Children’s Health Center. For some services, the Albrechts can go to the satellite office, close to home, in Mankato.

During the early months of the pandemic, Roger transitioned from baby to playmate. His brothers had more time to play with him and Roger bloomed with all the interaction.

In the physical therapy room, Roger works closely with McKenzie Vermeire, PT, DPT. She sits behind him in front of the mirror as she helps him move to a standing position over and over. He also plays with a toy on a stack of mats to motivate him to stand.

“Roger is happy here and enjoys going. When he’s done he’s tired, but he’s in a good mood. He knows it’s play time too. We’re

Mankato Area Children in Need

Adaptive equipment – bikes, trikes, gait trainers, bath chairs and swings – doesn’t come cheap. While medical insurance covers some things, many parents have to buy gear on their own. This equipment, though expensive, can make a big difference in the lives of children and families.

That’s why Nancy Dobson, PT, co-founder of Pediatric Therapy Services, started Mankato Area Children in Need, a non-profit organization to help fund equipment for children with special needs in southern Minnesota when insurance or other funding sources are insufficient.

For over 20 years, Mankato Area Children in Need has helped enhance and enrich the lives of children with special needs in our region and relieved some of the financial burden for their families. The application process is very simple and applications are reviewed quarterly.

The Albrecht family received a scholarship to buy a bath chair and a seat for a shopping cart for Roger. Lynae is grateful that Mankato Area Children in Need is there for families who can’t afford the equipment. “It’s nice that it’s there for kids. It’s an amazing thing,” Lynae said.

“Roger and his family exemplify our mission. By providing a couple pieces of equipment, Roger is better able to interact with his family and community in daily life,” Nancy said.

In the last 20 years, over $400,000 has been raised to provide equipment and meet the needs of children throughout southern Minnesota.

“Our primary fundraiser is an annual golf tournament and I continue to be amazed and grateful for the generosity and support we have for this event,” Nancy said.

To participate in the next fundraiser/golf tourney on June 14, 2021 or to make a donation please visit www.mankatoareachildreninneed.com.

Nancy Dobson,

PT

Importance of Early Intervention

Children are developing in leaps and bounds in the early months and years of life. To help children reach their full potential, it’s important to help children early on if they are struggling and not reaching milestones like crawling, walking, talking and eating.

When Heather Johnson, PT, DPT, at Mankato Clinic Pediatric Therapy Services, works with a child, she works closely with their parents, caregivers and pediatrician or primary care provider. She is a teammate, coach and cheerleader to help a child improve function and movement.

“The earlier that we can get them in for a diagnosis or address it, the better we can set them up for success long term. We can take advantage of a time when there’s a lot of development going on. Before they go to preschool and school, we can make a big impact,” Heather explained.

One of the easiest ways to make sure your child is growing and developing are at well-child visits with your pediatrician or primary care provider. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends well-child visits to keep track of your child’s immunizations, health, physical, emotional and social development.

“During the well-child visit, we do a head-to-toe exam, take measurements and give scheduled vaccines. We talk over any health concerns and answer your questions. Each stage of parenting comes with different questions,” said Amy Deehr, DO, Mankato Clinic pediatrician.

Your healthcare provider will also check in to make sure your child is meeting developmental milestones such as feeding, waving “bye bye,” rolling over, walking, throwing a ball and saying more than 50 words.

“Developmental milestones give us a general idea of skills and changes to expect as a child gets older. As a parent or caregiver, you know your child best. If you have any concerns, don’t wait. Talk to your pediatrician or healthcare provider. We are here to help your child thrive,” Dr. Deehr said.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends well-child visits at 3-5 days, 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 months. Well-child check-ups should continue at age 2, 30 months and then annually beginning at age 3.

To learn more about pediatric care at the Mankato Clinic, visit www.mankatoclinic.com/childrenshealth-center-2. Call 507-389-8529. Amy Deehr, DO, Mankato Clinic pediatrician

Roger Albrecht works out at home too!

playing but we’re working,” Lynae said.

Roger practices walking in a gait trainer, a walker that bears some of his weight and offers extra posture support. One of the current goals is for Roger to independently propel the gait trainer forward so that he may interact with his environment and participate with family and friends. To cheer him on, Lynae stands at one end of the room and encourages him to walk to her. Roger does his best to reach mom.

“The gait trainer is a lot of work. He’s working every muscle in his body,” Lynae said.

Prior to seeing McKenzie, Roger spent many hours working with Heather Johnson, PT, DPT, in physical therapy.

“Roger progresses at his own rate, but he always makes steady gains.” Heather said. “Our goal and job as a physical therapist is to embrace his abilities to help him be as functional as possible. We are continuously working towards him

becoming as independently mobile as he can, in whatever capacity that may be.”

Roger also works with an occupational therapist with a focus on fine motor skills such as picking up smaller toys, putting toys down instead of winging them and keeping toys from going in his mouth.

The work doesn’t stop when Roger goes home. The therapists give Lynae lots of home activities and exercises for Roger.

“It’s great to continue therapy at home. They give you exercises that fit into a living room and don’t require equipment you don’t have,” Lynae said. “Our experiences have been really spot on and great here. They have the kids’ best interests at heart.”

In one’s own time

Sometimes it takes longer to get where we are going. This is especially true in measuring progress in children with special needs.

“We meet them where they are at and we celebrate the little things. We appreciate what the kids can do and we celebrate every accomplishment big and small. We let them get there in their own time. And celebrate at their pace,” Heather explained. “Roger’s a good kid. I’m excited to see what he will do!”

Lynae’s advice to other parents who have children with special needs: “You’ll get through it. You’ve got to take your time.”

To learn more about Pediatric Therapy Services, visit www.mankatoclinic.com/ pediatric-therapy-services. Call 507-388-5437

Lynae Albrecht attends therapy sessions with her son, Roger.