Colton was born with Down syndrome or Trisomy 21. When his mom was first researching about Trisomy 21, she dreaded him not being able to move around or walk until he was 2-3 years old but he is already pivoting, standing, scooting. "Kindering has opened our world to resources and knowledge that no book or internet could give us. The coaching we have received from our physical therapist has been so helpful in practicing and encouraging Colton to reach his true potential. Our main goal for Colton, to the best of our ability, is to provide all the opportunities to Colton to succeed to maximum ability and Kindering has helped us kick start his road to success. Without Kindering, I'm sure that Colton would still thrive as a person but with it, he will be that much more equipped with the tools to grow and develop." -Colton's mom.

Emily came to Kindering when she was 29 months old. Her parents were concerned about her verbal & social development. Kindering determined she should receive speech & occupational therapy and suggested the parents should do further testing with her. She was tested and diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. After a month of services she was placed into CUBS, a program specially designed for children with autism. Emily started to talk more, her tantrums and transitions were getting easier and she was always excited to go to class. Emily's mother said, "The changes we have seen in Emily are night and day and we wouldn't be seeing those changes if it weren't for Kindering. They were amazing and very dedicated to seeing her succeed." Emily is currently in a special education preschool and she goes to Kindering's KidsClinic for Occupational Therapy. She is making progress every day.

Emma was so tiny when she was born at 25 weeks that she fit in the palm of your hand. She was one of the smallest babies ever born at the University of Washington - she only weighed 15 ounces! When Emma's parents heard about Kindering through a good friend at church they immediately brought her in for an evaluation. They were concerned with her motor development and nutrition. After almost two years of occupational therapy and special education at Kindering she eats, walks and plays like a typical child. Mom says, "Emma made her first friends at Kindering and the staff have become our second family. They are truly our angels."

Frannie was diagnosed with Down syndrome shortly after birth. Her parents heard about Kindering through her pediatrician at Pediatric Associates and colleagues at Microsoft. When Frannie was just 6 weeks old she and her parents joined the BabySteps program at Kindering, a class for both babies and their caregivers. She then started physical therapy where she strengthened her motor skills through play based therapy and just recently started speech therapy. Frannie and her parents also participate in Kindering's Family Co-Op Playgroup where, again, she and her parents can play and learn together. Her older sister Bella also attends Sibshops - a support group for children who have special needs siblings. Frannie is now 22 months old and loves to look at books, play with blocks and sing songs. She also recently just learned sign language! "More" and "All Done" were her very first signs.

Will was born full term but struggled to gain weight and meet developmental milestones during his first few months. Will's parents were familiar with Kindering through friends and Will began therapies soon after their relocation from Pennsylvania to Seattle. When Will began services he was 12 months old and could not sit up or walk. After benefitting from speech, feeding and physical therapies, Will is an energetic, healthy, growing preschooler who can run and jump. William is now enrolled in preschool through Issaquah School District and attends Kindering's KidsClinic for physical therapy. Will's parents say that "Kindering and its therapists have been a constant support to our family and we know Will would not be the thriving child he is today without this awesome resource."

Kate was born May 8, 2008 and immediately had difficulty breathing. Initially thinking it was due to high altitude (Kate was born in Colorado), she went home on oxygen. Eventually, Kate would be diagnosed with a heart defect, pulmonary hypertension, developmental delays, and feeding issues so significant, she required a g-tube for feeding at 5 months. She remained on oxygen for her first 18 months. Kate was eventually diagnosed with Noonan Syndrome which causes congenital heart defects, short stature, and learning problems. Kate has received physical, occupational and feeding therapies from Kindering and is thriving. She is now eating on her own and loves to play with spoons and forks. She is quite the talker and loves to point at objects in books and say what they are. Kate's mom and dad like to say that she has a massive personality for her tiny little body.