Ellie’s Story: ‘Calling Five Counties Was the Best Decision We Could Have Made’

Find a Printable Version of Ellie’s Story Here

Elloise (Ellie) is very kind kid with a sweet sense of humour. She loves to colour, put together puzzles, play games on the phone, count and recite her alphabet, sing songs and cuddle. Ellie is a big-time mover — she runs, jumps and climbs but never passes up the opportunity to sit and snuggle and look through a book. Ellie’s absolute favourite thing in the world is her toy Penguin (also known as “Penkin”) who goes with her everywhere.  

As noted by Ashley, Ellie’s mom, the family originally contacted Five Counties Children’s Centre for help with Ellie’s speech, but when the young girl stopped eating a variety of foods, they were also put in touch with Five Counties’ Occupational Therapist Kate. Ashley picks up the story from there about her family’s amazing Five Counties journey:  

“Ellie started coming to Five Counties in October of 2022 after we had noticed things like walking on her toes, waving her hands in a quick motion, prolonged eye contact, lack of speech development, and avoidance of new social interactions. We had originally called in for help with speech delays but when Ellie stopped eating a variety of foods and self-restricted to tomatoes, crackers, and tuna, that’s when Kate came into the picture. 

Since starting her Five Counties journey, Ellie has benefited from occupational therapy, speech therapy, feeding support at the Centre and a liaison for preschool. Our main goal is communication, both verbal and physical. We focus on communicating so we understand each other and the more we do this, the more we find that she can self-regulate, express her needs, share her wants, and try new foods! 

Our time with Five Counties has given us the gift of communication which has unlocked so many opportunities and possibilities for our family. Things that we thought were going to be impossible, like going to the grocery store as a family are now easy again. She now actively seeks out her big brother to play. If we hadn’t come to Five Counties, life would feel like a maze with no end. It was connecting with our first Occupational Therapist that opened all kinds of doors to services – being able to advocate for Ellie, our needs as a family, and even understanding ourselves better.

The environment at Five Counties, from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave, has been nothing short of accepting, caring, and understanding. It is a safe place for your children and for you as caregivers to come in, be who you are, and feel like you matter and are supported. Five Counties changes lives for the better every day. 

Don’t underestimate the value Five Counties provides to our community. They support children with unique needs and skills as well as uplifting their caregivers: people you work with, live with, share time and space with. If Five Counties wasn’t here, our community would feel that impact. 

Calling Five Counties was the best decision we could have made, and we will always be grateful. The folks at Five Counties, from the front desk to the specialists, have been part of our team from day one, cheering us on, showering us with kindness, and celebrating every little success. They have changed our lives.” 

Interested in sharing your story? Email us at development@fivecounties.on.ca

Category: General News,Testimonials