321go Kids: Play-Based Therapy Helps Children Like Luke Reach Milestones
Owner Brett Fischer describes how the Indianapolis center tailors activities to help children with developmental delays engage in therapy through play.
By Rebecca Svoboda ·
For families in Indianapolis seeking pediatric therapy, 321go Kids offers an approach that focuses on play rather than traditional clinical exercises. Brett Fischer, the owner, stated that the center aims to make therapy feel like an opportunity for children to explore and have fun, rather than a standard appointment. The goal is to help children build developmental skills while keeping them engaged.
Therapists at the center design activities based on each child’s specific age, abilities, and developmental needs. They look for ways to challenge children and encourage progress without causing frustration. This individualized approach allows the treatment to remain effective while maintaining the child’s interest in the session.
A recent segment on Life.Style.Live! featured Luke, a 3-year-old, alongside his mother, Hailey, and his physical therapist, Eliya Norman. Luke was born at 27 weeks and spent seven months in the neonatal intensive care unit. He was diagnosed with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy at 7 months old. He is currently dependent on a feeding tube for nutrition and has participated in various therapies since birth.
Hailey said Luke began attending 321go Kids in April after he aged out of the First Steps program. When he first started, his goals included holding his head up and becoming comfortable in new environments. Norman explained that the therapy focuses on finding activities that motivate Luke to interact with his surroundings, connect with his family, and express himself.
One key tool in Luke's therapy is an eye-gaze communication device. This technology allows him to communicate using eye movements and touch. The device has helped him express his wants, choose his favorite toys, and interact with his brother. Hailey noted that the device has allowed more of Luke's personality to come through.
Fischer said that stories like Luke's show the value of celebrating progress, even when a child’s developmental path differs from others. He noted that therapists and families often experience milestones that take years to achieve, such as holding up a head, sitting independently, or taking first steps. Fischer described supporting children and families through these long-term journeys as one of the most rewarding aspects of the work at 321go Kids.
