When Jaxton started intensive therapy, he could not sit up straight.
Today, he sits tall and proud, smiling as he plays with his toys.
At 5 years old, Jaxton has come so far with the help of the Mankato Clinic Pediatric Therapy Services team. For his mom, Megan Ehlert of Wells, every new skill and every milestone means something.
“Jaxton started therapy at a very young age, and we’ve loved watching him work toward so many goals with a team that truly cares,” Megan says.
Jaxton was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 2 years old. He also has a rare genetic condition that causes delays in learning and development, muscle weakness, and fatigue. This diagnosis is still recent, and Megan is continuing to learn what it means for Jaxton.
“We don’t know much yet, so we are just riding the waves with it,” Megan says. “It goes without saying, Jaxton is a very special little man.”
Intensive Therapy
Last summer, Jaxton and Megan participated in the TheraSuit Method® intensive program through Mankato Clinic Pediatric Therapy Services.
“The progress Jaxton made was incredible,” Megan says. “Every milestone reflected Jaxton’s hard work and the support of the entire team around him.”
During therapy, children wear a soft fabric suit with gentle bungee cords that help support posture, body awareness, and movement. With the help of specialized exercise equipment, children work on strengthening muscles, building coordination, and practicing functional movement patterns.
Occupational therapist Sophie Willems says the suit is the best part!
“Kiddos love putting on their super suit,” Sophie says. “The suit becomes part of the adventure, and children can decide what their suit helps them become: astronaut, princess, superhero, anything their imagination dreams up.”
Much like a sports camp, the intensive program includes 3-hour therapy sessions, Monday through Thursday, for four consecutive weeks. Sessions are split between occupational therapy and physical therapy, giving children focused time to build strength, mobility, confidence, and independence.
For Megan, what stood out most was how personal the care felt.
“Everything felt so personalized,” Megan says. “Therapists focused on more than therapy alone. They provided guidance on nutrition, snack and drink ideas, clothing recommendations to make therapy easier and more comfortable, and practical strategies we could continue using at home.”
The experience made a lasting impact. Megan plans to participate in the intensive program again.
“We were incredibly impressed with the care, dedication, and progress we saw throughout the program,” she says. “I would recommend it to any family looking for compassionate care and meaningful progress.”
Today
Jaxton continues to work toward new goals with his Pediatric Therapy Services team.
He is improving his pronunciation, using words to share his wants and needs, and starting to put three words together in a sentence. He is also working on strength, balance, coordination, and daily living skills that help him become more independent at home and school.
“Jaxton genuinely enjoys learning to be more independent, and he is always so proud of his achievements,” Megan says. “I appreciate every little milestone.”
Her advice to other families considering early childhood therapy is simple: go and do it.
“Try it out because it has been so amazing for Jaxton’s abilities and for me to see his independence grow and his skills develop,” Megan says. “A huge reason for his progress is the whole team of therapists behind him.”
For Megan, every stronger movement, every new word, and every step toward independence is worth celebrating.
Expert Advice
Sophie Willems, MA, OTR/L
As an occupational therapist, I help children build the skills they need for daily life, including dressing, eating, playing, learning, and becoming more independent.
For many children, intensive therapy can be a true game changer. The TheraSuit Method® may be a good fit for children with diagnoses such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, developmental delays, low muscle tone, balance and coordination challenges, and other motor skill difficulties. It can also help children who need support learning how to activate and strengthen their core muscles.
Therapy sessions are centered around play, movement, and meaningful activities that keep children engaged and motivated. We follow each child’s interests and create opportunities for success through games, obstacle courses, imaginative play, and activities that make hard work feel fun.
Along the way, we celebrate every victory, big or small, with smiles, high fives, and cheering. Every new skill, every extra step, and every milestone matters as we help children build confidence and reach their full potential.