Parents Discover Brain-Injured Son Can Make Progress, Despite Doctors’ Opinion

Joseph Smith is a 7 year old boy who was the first child of John and Mary Smith. His lack of progress to develop normally became apparent that Joseph was never going to be a normal child. They were urged by the doctors to lower their expectations for his future.

During a pre-natal check-up, the doctor was alarmed because the fetal heart rate was above normal, and he suggested that the birth of the child be induced with medication. The medication did not work well, and the delivery process was prolonged. Mary asked for cesarean birth, but the doctor said that the insurance company would not approve of it, and tried to induce the firth without it. The prolonged birthing process apparently lead to a period of time when baby Joseph did not get enough oxygen to his brain. The hospital and the doctors were not immediately forthcoming regarding the reason for Joseph’s lack of progress. Only after 14 months did Mr. and Mrs. Smith engaged LifeSpan Care Management to review their situation. An initial evaluation was done. Records from the doctor’s and the hospital were gathered and reviewed. The family was assisted with finding therapy providers that aided their child’s ability to grow and function in a more normal way. Also, the assistance of the care manger enabled that family to get more appropriate therapy assistance paid for by the school district, and have other treatments paid for by the health insurance company.