Tevis

When LaTasha gave birth to Tevis on August 27, 2001, she knew there was a chance he could be deaf or hard of hearing because her older son, Tyreeke was born two years earlier with a sensorineural hearing loss in both ears. Tests were completed immediately following Tevis’ birth and confirmed that he also had sensorineural hearing loss in both ears. He also found gad strabismus, torticollis, and mild seizures at birth. As a mother, LaTasha thought she was never going to make it through that time. After two months of depression and armed with a notebook to keep track of all of the appointments, LaTasha began the quest for early intervention services for both boys.

Tevis began using sign language as his main form of communication. At 18 months of age, Tevis received a cochlear implant in his left ear sending electric impulses directly to the auditory nerve and on to brain to be interpreted as sound. These sounds are not the same as “normal hearing sounds”. Tevis had to learn to use his cochlear implant, learning what the sounds meant and how to listen, and then to speak.

The change from signing to listening and speaking was difficult. LaTasha remembers how rough it was to get Tevis to use his voice instead of wanting to pat his legs and point to his wants and needs. It was also difficult to teach him to listen. During this time and still today, Tevis uses sign support to assist in his understanding of what is being said. “This is a long process,” said LaTasha. “You never get to the place where you feel like you can slack off.” A recommendation from Tevis’ doctor prompted her to seek assistance from Heartspring Pediatric Services.

Today, Tevis receives occupational therapy services at Heartspring. “Tevis works on crossing midline, trunk stability and motor planning in his sessions,” said Teresa Young, occupational therapist at Heartspring. Some activities they work on include writing on an easel, putting together puzzles, balance skills and playing games. Each activity Teresa plans helps Tevis to work on slowing his body down to be able to work on using his eyes and hands together. “LaTasha has been wonderful in Tevis’ therapy sessions,” said Teresa. “She assists when he does not understand something I want him to do. LaTasha will use sign language to help him understand the direction I give him.”

All-in-all, Tevis has come a long way. “I met Tevis soon after his cochlear implant surgery. I am astonished at how far he has come,” said Kimberly Becker, director of Pediatric Services at Heartspring. “Tevis is a great advocate for himself. If he does not understand what you have said, or did not hear you, he lets you know. It is great to hear his voice and see how much he has grown.” Like many other 7 year old boys, Tevis loves to drive cars and play his Nintendo DS. He also loves to read, write, and TALK!

LaTasha reports some days are harder than others. She continues to pray for patience. “… A lot of patience,” she said.