Dx Developmental Delay: John’s Success Story

John is Leading the Pack Now, Not Struggling in the Back

John’s life began in the African Congo. His mother had a difficult pregnancy because she suffered from asthma and bronchitis which was complicated by a bacterial infection and high blood pressure. After a prolonged labor, an emergency c-section was performed. Within a few hours of birth the baby began tremoring and was rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with sepsis, and given antibiotics. The baby continued to have chronic ear infections after the first year of life and was treated with antibiotics and steroids for the next three years.

At two years of age, John’s mother found Glenn Doman’s book, How to Teach Your Baby to Read, and began to teach young John immediately. Teaching John to read at such a young age was a joy. This single action would reap rewards that continue to this day.

By age six John was in trouble. 

John seemed to be developing like other children, but by three years of age, he was stuttering in his speech. This problem became progressively worse, until at six years of age, he was very hard to understand.

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Little John could read, but struggled in other areas

After speech therapy was unsuccessful, John was diagnosed as mentally retarded and developmentally delayed, likely due to encephalitis at birth.

Little John had intellectual, physical, social and physiological problems.

John’s parents knew about the work of The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential, thanks to Glenn Doman’s books, and immediately signed up to attend the What to Do About Your Brain Injured Child course. They brought John for his first evaluation at The Institutes soon after.

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John’s parents brought him to The Institutes, in the hope that he could develop faster

When John came to The Institutes at the age of 6, he was hyperactive and was below his age level in both understanding and language. He was overly sensitive to sounds, and had difficulty controlling himself in crowds, and following directions at home. He was frequently anxious, and too rough in his play. He was sensitive to certain foods and easily developed allergic reactions.

Although labeled as “Mentally Retarded” John was a better reader than older children from a very young age

Despite many problems, John’s greatest strength was his reading ability. As his peers were just learning to read, John was already reading books for much older children.

John and his parents embarked on The Institutes Intensive Treatment Program. Crawling and creeping were an essential part of his program for neurological organization. Gymnastics was also added for optimal brain development.

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John immediately began to excel

The downward spiral John had been experiencing his whole life began to change to an upward spiral.

John also accomplished miles of walking and running. His physical ability and stamina improved. The opportunity to develop physically had a very positive impact on his health and well-being which helped his intellectual development. The downward spiral he had been experiencing his whole life began to change to an upward spiral. Stimulation and opportunity now led to greater development in all areas.

His mother made sure he had an excellent nutritional program at all times, including growing organic vegetables in their own garden for the kitchen table.

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John eats right and stays fit thanks to fresh, organic food grown in his own garden

Now learning was easy and fun for John

John continued to excel intellectually. His Encyclopedic Knowledge Program covered hundreds of discrete bits and facts in botany, zoology, anatomy, geography, mathematics, art, and music. Mother understood well from her instruction at The Institutes that it was her job to teach joyously and make learning easy and fun for John.

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The geography of North America is easy and fun when John and mother are learning together at home

John ran a total of 200 miles in just two month’s time.

By eight years of age, John was physically excellent. He began participating in local 5 K races. In his second race, he finished 3rd in the 10 years and younger category, as the youngest runner who won a prize. He became a member of the 200 Miler Club, running a total of 200 miles in just two month’s time.

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John participates in cross country race with significant obstacles

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John crosses the finish line with a smile

John excelled in school and joined the Cub Scouts and a Karate class

John’s reading, math, and general knowledge continued to be above his peers. He entered school and was a successful student in a local home-schooling co-op, taking advanced classes such as Spanish, Latin, and Botany. Socially he was now able to intereact with others since his sensitivity to sounds was now a thing of the past. He joined the Cub Scouts and finished making a tool box ahead of the other boys his age. He joined a Karate class, and readily earned new levels along with his classmates.

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John now plays baseball which he loves

“My child is not condemned to a life of handicap, but a life with lots of options.”

John is flourishing physically, intellectually and socially. He has worked hard with his parents to get where he is today. His parents are confident that John will continue to thrive and achieve his goals in life.

John’s mother writes, “My only child is not condemned to a life of handicap, but a life with lots of options. He is happy, and so am I!”After being branded as “mentally retarded” often a child’s life becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy of doom and gloom.

After being branded as “mentally retarded” often a child’s life becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy of doom and gloom.

John’s parents were not given much hope that he could excel and overcome the problems he had right from birth. A diagnosis of mental retardation often leads a family to believe that their child has an inferior brain. Parents then provide limited stimulation and less opportunity. The child’s life becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy of doom and gloom. John and his family have demonstrated that the brain does grow by use and that parents can provide their child with an effective pathway to wellness when they are given the tools to do so.

Well done, John, and well done, Mother and Father. Parents around the world will be inspired by your dedication and hard work and most of all by your outstanding accomplishments.

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He once had trouble keeping up but now he is leading the pack!

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