Christine Grounds isn't sure what to think about the future for her son Nicholas.

"You don't dare think about the future, because God forbid you have hopes," says Christine, whose 9-year-old son has microcephaly, a condition which prevents typical brain development, "We've had to learn not to expect anything, but it's impossible to not have hopes for your child."

A Rare Diagnosis

Christine and her husband, Jon Mir, were happily expecting their first child. Yet, the day after Nicholas' birth they received the devastating diagnosis. The doctors told the couple that the condition was so rare and variable that they could not predict if Nicholas would meet any developmental milestones. Christine recalls doctors saying he may never sit up, walk, or talk.

A social worker with a private practice in psychotherapy, and the Clinical Director of the Training Institute for Mental Health in Manhattan, Christine put her social work skills to use and started advocating for Nicholas. She began the process of enrolling Nicholas in early intervention, explaining "we need you here yesterday." At 3-weeks-old, Nicholas was receiving a multitude of in-home therapies.

Turning to YAI

Working in the field, Christine was aware of YAI's reputation for quality services. He attended preschool at YAI's Roosevelt Children's Center, where she found a supportive and caring environment not only for Nicholas, but for her family. "I don't know what we would have done without YAI." Christine says, "If I didn't feel such a sense of security and comfort when Nicholas is at school, I don't think that I would be able to work and live my life the way that I am." And when it came to finding a school-age program, Christine and Jon knew that Manhattan Star Academy, a YAI network member agency, was the place for Nicholas.

Thriving at Manhattan Star Academy

Today, Nicholas is a social child, who is determined to do things for himself. He loves learning and going to school, Christine says. "I don't think he would have made as much progress anywhere else. Since last spring his expressive language has begun to blossom. He's putting words together and using sentences." She continues, "every time I visit the school I'm stopped by therapists and teachers who can't believe how far he has come. Everyone is so proud."

Seeking Independence

Nicholas adores his 7-year-old brother, Alexander, but sometimes struggles when he can't do things that his brother does with ease. "What he wants right now is everything and anything that will give him more independence," Christine says. "It's the source of frustration if he can't do something, but there are a lot of moments these days when he'll say, ‘I'm going to do it.'" 

Long-term hopes are still difficult for Christine to hold. She says, "we still don't know what Nicholas will be able to do in terms of independence, but he keeps making progress. He's accomplished things that we never thought he would."