The abbreviation “TLC” usually has one meaning to most people, Tender Loving Care. But to those of us that have had the luck of being part of a group that brings us hope, TLC it means so much more.
The day we walked through the door of our TLC (The Center for Therapeutic Learning and Communication) was a day that changed our lives. Our daughter Khloe was almost three years old at the time and spoke very little. She had several behavioral meltdowns regularly, and did not play like other kids her age; let alone be able to play with other children her age. She couldn’t sit still long enough to read a board book, color or paint a picture. She didn’t understand holidays, presents, birthdays, or Santa. She had just been diagnosed with autism and we were overwhelmed.
Then came hope. The staff of TLC was so friendly, caring, and understanding. They listened when things got rough, guided us when we were lost, brainstormed when we aren’t sure, and encouraged us when things were going well.
The change wasn’t immediate, but the small and large milestones where memorable. The first time Khloe came out of her therapy session and said “Hi Mommy” I cried tears of joy. She had never called me mommy before. The hope began; we started to see imaginative play, and more words spoken. There is always a plan to correct the inappropriate behaviors and it was so nice to follow their lead; we were no longer alone. Khloe’s ABAs are the greatest group of people I have ever met. Each one has such a unique way with her that we will never forget them as we continue on our journey with Khloe.
In her first year at TLC we have found Khloe’s personality, she has a sense of humor and laughs loudly, she says “I love you” on a regular basis, she talks about her friends at “school” (aka TLC therapy sessions), she can pick out her own clothes for the day, will read board books, can play beginner board games, and she likes to color; nothing short of a miracle for us!
She celebrated her fourth birthday like any other four year old. The changes in one year are immense and can only be attributed to the phenomenal ABA’s, excellent Occupational Therapist, and exceptional Speech Therapist at TLC. I truly cannot say enough about the excellent care and positive changes in our life as a whole that would not have been possible without them.
So to us, TLC isn’t just tender loving care, it is knowledge, understanding, guidance, and patience. It is priceless gifts that are given to us each day, some gifts greater than others but all appreciated the same. It’s finally seeing our daughter playing and smiling, asking for orange juice. It is knowing we have the best, most knowledgeable, exceptional professionals on our side, working with Khloe each day to peel back and reveal the next layer of who she is. It is hope and a future for our Khloe.
