I have been an occupational therapist with 29 years of experience in the field of pediatric rehabilitation. Since day one of my career I have dedicated myself to working with children with severe motor and developmental disabilities. Now I am more focused on early detection and intervention from the prevention approach. It is possible to correct the trajectory of a developmental disturbance when it is detected and intervened at an early age. Now, in the autism pandemic, information, detection, and early diagnosis are vital to winning the race against autism.

 

A little bit of my story.

In my beloved Caracas, Venezuela, I worked as an occupational therapist in differents public hospitals and private clinics. Then, I founded the Center for the Neurodevelopment of the Venezuelan Child, a therapeutic center that still provides rehabilitation services to the children of my country. Also, I worked as an assistant professor at the Central University of Venezuela. Now here in the USA, I work as Infant Toddler Developmental Specialis in Orlando, FL. 

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Most of my work involves working remotely with families in other countries who do not yet have access to services or are on waiting lists. Along with parents, we design structured intervention plans based on the "Parent-Directed Intervention" model, one of the most evidence-based approaches to intervention for children with autism. I also use my social media to educate the Hispanic population on how to obtain intervention and diagnostic services for their children in this complex health care system.

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Besides, I also have a personal history with developmental delay. My oldest son was on the autism spectrum 14 years ago. I remember it as one of the most emotional stages of my life. But due that we started interventions before 12 months, my son was able to overcome and get off the autism spectrum when he was around 3 years old. Today, my son is a typical, regular 14-year-old handsome boy, living a happy life.

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That is why, due to my academic training, my professional experience, and my personal experience, I chose the path of early detection and intervention as the best approach for children and their families to go over a developmental delay.