Zionsville couple face health mystery, but find support from Arc Rehab

excerpts from an article by Jamie Hall  jhall@dailysun.org

When Carrie and Sam Fletcher had their first child, son Matthew, they were faced with unexpected problems.  At around 8 months old, he show signs of mental disability that neither a pediatrician or a neurologist could pinpoint. The Fletchers were told their son suffered from delayed speech, which ended up being on a fraction of the definitive problem.  When their second child, Lindsey showed the same symptoms around the same age, the couple knew they were up against something more serious. They became active with Arc Rehab Services and a program called First Steps that lent them relief after a three-year struggle with learning what the children faced.  A year and a half after Mathew and Lindsey Fletcher were diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome. 

    With her physical therapist, Lindsey Fletcher has been showcased in a television commercial for the "Solutions for People" series, under United Way of Central Indiana, sponsored by Vectren and shown on WRTV-6.  Brent Cardin, executive director for Arc Rehab said that United Way of Central Indiana found the Fletcher's story while researching an outcome report that measures progress of Arc Rehab programs.  "We were very pleased we were able to assist them," he said. "We're always willing and glad to help families in need."

   Prior to the Fletcher kids diagnosis, a physical therapist for First Steps gave Carrie Fletcher the name and number of a geneticist.  When she was given the contact information, she didn't act right away.  "I held on to the name and number for a couple of months," she said.  "I just kept thinking, "  

When Lindsey reach the age of one and a half, the Fletchers took both children to the geneticist.  

The necessary test took about two weeks to prove the results that diagnosed Matthew and Lindsey with Fragile X, the syndrome that is the most common cause of mental impairment.  Its severity ranges from mild learning disabilities with a normal IQ to severe cognitive challenges that can include autism or autistic-like behavior.  Carrie Fletcher spoke of the constant involvement Arc Rehab promotes, and is particularly grateful and fond of those involved with the organization.  "They do things like give us homework every week to keep us in touch with what our kids are doing" she said.  "And all of the therapists are forever family members."

Mary Kinney, public and media relations manager for United Way of Central Indiana said she hoped the commercials will reach the Fletchers Boone County neighbors to show them the outstanding resources they may not be aware of.  She explained that the family was selected for the series based on the incredible challenge they faced in understanding Fragile X Syndrome.