IMPROVING — Tylee Hython plays with his mother, Reva Hython. The 2-year-old has been working his way back to health following a presumed stroke in utero. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Two-year-old Tylee Hython playfully pushes a blue toy car atop the dining room table with his right hand, appearing to be like any typical toddler.

His mother encourages him to use his left hand, something that has been a struggle since he presumably suffered a stroke in utero. Tylee complies and pushes the car with his clenched fist, bringing a smile to her face and a squeal of delight. The son of Ricky Williams and Reva Hython of Steubenville, he has been finding strength through occupational therapy and working with the early intervention program at the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Now he is looking ahead to becoming a preschooler.

“He was 7 or 8 months old and wasn’t rolling over,” Reva Hython recalled. “He always kept his hand in a fist close to his body. Those were the signs that made me take him to the doctor.”

Tylee was sent to Akron Children’s Hospital where he underwent an MRI and was found to have suffered a stroke. Medical officials were not 100 percent sure it occurred while still in the womb, but Tylee would go on to meet with neurologists and seek physical therapy. He received a Botox injection to loosen his hand but still favors his right and he has received occupational therapy at ACH and in Boardman. Tylee’s pediatrician also referred him was to the EI program where specialist Jennifer Orlando has regularly assisted him since he was 10 months old.

“He doesn’t use the left side of his body to its full potential,” Hython continued. “He started sitting up and the doctors said he wouldn’t walk, but he does. He began walking at 18 months old.”

Orlando originally visited his home for biweekly sessions, then stopped by each week. Since then, she reverted to monthly meetings because he has improved significantly.

“He had complete left side weakness because of his stroke,” Orlando said. “We did an assessment and he qualified across the board. There were difficulties eating and he was not rolling or sitting.”

The first meeting occurred in March 2023 and a therapeutic program was implemented to help him thrive.

“We did a lot of positioning and working to move his left hand,” she added. “We did activities to encourage him to use both hands such as playing ‘Row, Row, Row Your Boat.’ By his first birthday, he was rolling and Army crawling with his right arm and he used his left leg before his left arm. We encouraged him to use that arm and I provided his family with two-handed fine motor activities to work with him.”

Orlando continued that a brace was also applied to his left foot but he did not require it.

“Once he started walking, he got into climbing and kicking,” she said. “Right now, he will move his arm at the shoulder and elbow but his hand remains clenched. His only delay is in self-help because of his hand, but he is ready [for preschool]. His attention is so good and he has interest in balls, animals and colors.”

Orlando said he has come a long way.

“I’ve been doing this for 25 years and I thought he wouldn’t get a lot of use back. The fact that he’s doing everything is amazing and I will miss him.”

Plans are now to enroll him at Wells Academy so he can join his older siblings at school. Tylee is one of six children, including Tariah, Tajon, Tanajah, Tiyonna and Tariq, the latter of whom Orlando and Hython credited for guiding the youngest brother.

“Tylee has no learning issues; it’s just his motor skills,” Hython added. “He likes playing with cars and throwing the football. He’s awesome and it’s not holding him back at all.”

She concluded that the EI program has greatly served him.

“I think it has been more helpful to open him up. It’s extra help and it’s greatly appreciated.”