NAPA Center Los Angeles

"The year was 2010. I was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. I couldn’t walk or talk. My mum was worried and nervous. How would this affect his growth? What would life be like for me? Would people accept me having a disability? Doctor’s gave me a one percent chance of surviving. Cerebral palsy is the biggest motor disability in the world. It is also the most common movement childhood disability, with over 17 million people worldwide being impacted by it. One baby every 20 hours in Australia is said to be born with CP. It is caused by damage to the developing brain that leads to a movement disorder that affects motor skill development. It is diagnosed through an MRI/EEG/Cranial Ultrasound of the brain. … The year was 2013. We had just landed in Los Angeles, and I was getting pushed in a wheelchair through the airport. We had flown here for a specialized, unique treatment, called NAPA Centre. NAPA stands for Neurological and Physical Abilitation. It is a place which helps kids all around the world who have disabilities gain confidence, and enable them to do things that they can’t do on their own. When I turned up at NAPA’s door, I couldn’t walk or talk. During the first week, they introduced me to my therapists and what I would be doing to help me. They set me up with exercises to do and I was off and running. ‘Wow, that first week was really hard’, I thought to myself. NAPA has been really good to me, as I had now learnt how to make noises (remember, I was non-verbal before the intensive started), thanks to all the support and the community at NAPA. Some of the exercises we were doing included walking slowly on the treadmill. One of my therapists, Arthur, had me bouncing on a mini trampoline to build strength in my legs. Another therapist I had, Rebecca, had me stepping in and out of boxes, with her hand tightly holding onto my ankles to help my balance. I would fall over almost every step, but that’s part of having Cerebral Palsy when you’re young. I had made immense progress. I could now say a few words, such as ‘mumma’, or ‘dadda’. I know that this is embarrassing looking back on it now, but that is what I could achieve at that time, so I was proud of myself. During the last week of NAPA, I worked my butt of, and I learnt two new phrases, such as, ‘I’m hungry’, and ‘I love you’, but I said it as ‘I wuv wu’ which is still impressive coming from a kid who, before this intensive, couldn’t even talk. The last day of the intensive had come around faster than you can say ‘NAPA Centre helps so many people’, and it was sadder than I expected. Over these past few weeks, I had grown a relationship for many of these therapists. I did embracingly shed a tear as I walked out. Overall, this intensive had been really helpful for me. … The year is now 2023. I have broken multiple records. I have been to Nationals for Athletics countless times. In fact, just recently, in Year 9, I was the recipient of the Boroondara Community Athlete of the Year award. I was unfortunately overseas while it was presented, so I couldn’t attend the event. So the Mayor of Boroondara (Felicity Sinfield) decided to attend Scotch College to present the award to me in Memorial Hall, in front of the other students. A few other people were there, including a Counsellor, the Principal, the Director of Sport, and my parents. They were super proud of me. I was so excited that I tried getting up on stage a bit early a few times, but my parents had to hold me down. Eventually, Felicity motioned for me to get up on stage. I was preparing for a speech, but I didn’t get the opportunity to speak. It all happened in the blink of an eye. This story shows that if you put in the work, it will pay off. You will be able to do things you couldn’t previously do. I would also like to thank NAPA Centre for helping and supporting not just me, but every child that walks through your door. There is a real sense of community, a feeling that you belong, that just makes you keep on working, no matter how hard the work is."

"My daughter Allyson has completed two intensives here at NAPA, and each time we have had the most wonderful experience! Ali K, Chelsea, Yumi, Tiffany, Kimberly and of course the sweet Miss Jackie all have such a special place in our hearts. Because of them Ally has made incredible progress. She has gained so much confidence in herself, and she has had so much fun while doing so! As a mom it has been so special to see how much Ally has grown, and how much Ally loves her team at NAPA. Our family is grateful to have NAPA as part of Ally’s journey and cannot wait for our next visit! Thank you Karla for making this experience possible for our family!"

"Love NAPA Center! I drive 2 hours (minimum) both ways to take my kid here. He finally took his first independent steps with his therapists' help. Parents from out of state and around the world travel to do intensives here. I wish all pediatric rehab clinic will adapt their strategies and modalities."

"I took my daughter to NAPA for Physical Therapy in 2017. The staff was very nice. We once even met the lead character from the show Speechless. I believe he has cerebral palsy. He is not from LA but he stopped by NAPA to check it out. NAPA has a great reputation for their success with patients with CP. As of 2018, we have switched to Hippo Therapy at a different provider. We would have remained with NAPA but they cant offer Hippo Therapy. Ping me for any additional questions. I am happy to help. Feel free to hit the Like button if my review has been useful for you? Thank you!"

"There is no other place like NAPA in the world (except the new location in Australia). The therapists and staff here approach every patient with an amazing level of care, knowledge, kindness and skill. These people REALLY care about those they treat. If you are looking for somewhere to bring your child for physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, feeding therapy, intensives, neuro suit therapy and more, the NAPA center is the first place you should look. I was here as a DPT student for 12 weeks during m final rotation getting to see what things were really like. After 12 full weeks and more patients than I can count, I stand by what I stated above. This is a truly amazing and special place."