Guilt, denial, exhaustion, confusion, and isolation. These are some of the words Lisa uses to describe the first couple of years of raising her second daughter. Even upon arriving home with her new baby girl, named October, she knew something was wrong. The baby had a runny nose and was not able to nurse properly. She cried constantly and was not thriving. Lisa describes this as a dark and scary time, filled with medical tests, sleepless nights, overwhelming despair, and her own descent into post partum depression.

One day, while riding the metro when October was about two, Lisa noticed a man who looked homeless sitting across the aisle with his head down and his hands on his knees. October, who was just learning to walk, stepped across the aisle and stood directly in front of the man. She placed her hands over his, looked up, and smiled at him. He looked around as though to make sure this was really happening and then looked into October’s eyes and smiled back. Never moving, they held this position for close to a minute. Lisa suddenly understood October’s gift. She gives unconditional love to everyone, even to those who may feel they are unworthy.

Eventually, there was a diagnosis, sort of. October has cognitive delay with speech dyspraxia along with delays in her fine and gross motor skills. This means that although she can walk, run, climb, and play, these movements are not always smooth and easy, they require concentration. She learns slowly. She loves to swim but does not react when her body temperature drops. She will stay and play until her lips turn blue and Mom or Dad puts their foot down and scoops her out. Her speech is still extremely limited, but she’s usually able to make herself understood.

Nearly seven years later, Lisa’s memories of the first years are hazy, but she does remember always knowing that October was brought into her family for a reason. October is a child full of energy, joie de vivre, and love. She is an absolute joy to be around, happy and snuggly. She has settled in at a wonderful school for children with special needs, and is learning new skills. The future is still uncertain and a source of great stress and social integration is a challenge, but October’s enthusiasm is contagious.

Here in the Laurentians, Centre du Florès is an organization that specializes in helping individuals with intellectual and pervasive developmental disorders. Part of the Health and Social Services Network, their mission includes helping children like October grow, develop and take their place in society. They also provide support for parents and families.

Donna Anber, territory manager of the Northern Region served by Le Florès based in Sainte Agathe, is fluently bilingual and proud of the center’s ability to provide their services in English. She described some of their programs;

Children aged 0-5 years have a program that helps ensure optimal development and promotes integration into daycare. Children aged 6-17 years have a special program adapted to their age and needs that promotes community integration and school. Once adulthood is reached, residential, vocational and day activity services are also available for those with intellectual challenges and pervasive developmental disorders (Autism).

Based on three fundamental values; belief, respect, and acknowledgement, Centre du Florès provides an invaluable service to these children and their families from birth to adulthood.

If you or someone you know could benefit from the services offered by Centre du Florès please visit their website at www.centreduflores.com or contact your local CLSC.

About the Author;

Laura Young is a graduate of Concordia University’s Applied Human Science department. She’s worked as a nanny, a daycare provider, and an elementary school teacher. She’s also worked intensively with children with disabilities.
Laura has three children and is the author of the parenting book, The Most Important Job in the World.
Laura is a long time member of the board of directors of 4Korners Family Resource Center. She is helping to provide programs for children and parents in the Laurentian community.