Gaby’s Story
Gabriel (Gaby) has been attending outpatient Occupational Therapy (OT) at MVHS since December of 2023. He was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 2. He was found to exhibit sensory processing difficulties which limited his participation in school and in performing independent daily activities at home. Because of his sensory processing diagnosis, he requires a much higher level of input from his senses to assist with regulating stimuli and thrives on high energy activities such as running, jumping, and spinning. Gaby can often be found zooming down the halls on a scooter board or jumping into his favorite crash pad. During his therapy sessions, he enjoys spinning as fast as he can on the Sensory Swing that was purchased with funds raised by the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals program.
Gaby’s diagnosis also causes him to display sensory avoidance behaviors resulting in him interpreting information from his sense of touch and verbal input very strongly. When he first came to OT in December 2023, he had shoulder length hair. He had expressed a desire to get his hair cut, however, he was highly sensitive to the sound of clippers as well as the vibration on his head. After a few OT sessions of placing vibration throughout his arms, chest, back, and eventually onto his head, Gaby tolerated his first haircut and has received many since.
He continues to receive weekly OT services at MVHS. These services are helping him to continue to improve and manage his sensory processing difficulties and improve his overall daily living at home and in school with friends
