Your Questions, Answered by Real RISE Parents

1. Did you actually see results—and how quickly?

Nicole: "Absolutely, DMI has been a game changer for my daughter. Her confidence & body awareness has increased"

Andrea: "During our two week intensive we saw results by the end of the first week! Once we completed the intensive we kept seeing progress and our child’s regular therapists also noticed results."

Lorraine: "Absolutely, we started seeing results this time a few days in and he just continued to build on that. He is sitting longer and holding his head up better."

2. Was it overwhelming for your child—or for you?

Andrea: "Honestly it’s important to remember that you’re working with professionals who know how far they can safely push your child. You’re doing an intensive to make progress above and beyond what you have typically seen in weekly therapy. Any feelings of overwhelm have always been temporary and improve as the intensive goes on."

Lorraine: "The first couple of days as he was adjusting to the therapy was hard to see, but Nicole and Aliza factor this in and help him to enjoy himself in between exercises. My son is generally a happy laid back fella so seeing him upset is very hard, but I completely trust Nicole and Aliza and after a few days he was right in the swing of things."

Nicole: "Aliza & Nicole reassured my daughter each session. They helped to ease any anxiety she had."

3. How is RISE different from other therapy programs you’ve tried?

Andrea: "This was our first intensive but we saw immediate improvement compared to weekly PT that is not DMI focused."

Lorraine: "I love RISE because you know what you are getting, bigger therapy clinics you don't always know which therapists you will be working with and sometimes your child just doesn't vibe well with them. Its hard for any child not to vibe well with RISE, they adapt the setting to make it more comfortable for you and your child. Your child like loud cheering? Dancing? Heres a disco party. Like quiet so they don't get overstimulated? quiet cheers and support! My son has CVI , they'll turn off the lights and put up the northern lights for him to look at and calm him. Bigger clinics can't offer this in my opinion; it's a one-size-fits-all model. RISE customizes to your child"

Nicole: "This was very specialized. Aliza & Nicole are truly professional & know how to motivate the children they treat."

4. Did you feel supported as a parent?

Andrea: "100%. Aliza and Nicole are very responsive and supportive, always willing to answer questions and provide feedback even beyond the confines of the intensive."

Lorraine: "100% They will answer all your questions and teach you exercises to do at home to help continue the progress. I have asked for advice on all aspects of my son's life, and they are there for me."

Nicole: "Most definitely- every step of the way!"

5. Was it worth the investment?

Andrea: "yes!!"

Lorraine: "1,000% I plan to do intensives yearly, even twice yearly if possible. We plan on following our current intensive up with frequent check-ins to help him stay ready and continue his progress"

Nicole: "Worth every single penny. This is so meaningful to have your child increase confidence in their abilities & feel supported along the way."

6. How did your child respond to the therapists?

Andrea: "Our baby was always very comfortable with Aliza and Nicole right away."

Lorraine: "It's safe to say they are his best friends, and the feelings are mutual. They are just as excited to see him as he is to see them, he will do things for them he will not do for anyone else....including me! While we mainly see Nicole and Aliza, we have been with them since early intervention, all the therapists and assistants we have encountered while there have fully engaged and encouraged my son I would be comfortable seeing anyone at RISE"

7. Were you nervous about trying an ‘intensive’?

Andrea: "Before starting the intensive I was a little worried about whether or not we were making the right decision but that was because of family members and doctors taking a “wait and see” approach when I knew our child needed support. Once the intensive started I knew we were in the right place."

Lorraine: "Yes, for his first intensive I absolutely was nervous. I had never heard of an intensive, and I knew how much hard work it would be and how mad he would be about it. He was about a year and a half old for his first intensive and seeing him work so hard and really thrive made my worries disappear."

Nicole: "Not at all. It was a matter of finding a good time in the calendar year to be able to participate. I also appreciate the option of the weekly sessions in addition to 3 week intensive."

8. Would you recommend RISE to other families like yours?

Andrea: "Yes! I talk about RISE and our experience every chance I get."

Lorraine: "I have and will continue to recommend RISE to anyone who will listen. I recommend them to those who need DMI, and OT services."

Nicole: "Yes & already have!"