Early Onset Scoliosis Resources, Support & Hope for Families

Early Onset Scoliosis Resources, Support, and Children's Books

Hi, I'm Leslie Brogdon, author of Gabe's Casts of Courage and founder of Little Warriors Press, where I help bring meaningful stories to life.

If you've recently received a scoliosis diagnosis, are preparing for Mehta casting, or are anxiously waiting for test results, I want you to know something:

You are not alone.

My son Julian was diagnosed with Early Onset Scoliosis (EOS) shortly before his first birthday. Like many families, scoliosis was not what we thought we were dealing with.

At first, we noticed something subtle. When Julian smiled, his head tilted slightly to one side. It wasn't dramatic. It didn't seem urgent. But over time, the tilt became more pronounced.

Doctors initially believed he had torticollis. We attended appointment after appointment. We went to physical therapy multiple times a week. When therapy wasn't helping, specialists became concerned. Botox was attempted. Additional testing followed.

As a parent, those months were terrifying.

Doctors discussed possibilities ranging from neurological conditions to cerebral palsy. Tests were ordered. Specialists became involved. Questions multiplied faster than answers.

Then, shortly before Julian turned one, everything changed.

A doctor accidentally ordered the wrong MRI.

That mistake led to the answer we had been searching for.

Julian had Early Onset Scoliosis.

At the time, I knew almost nothing about scoliosis in babies. What I learned next shocked me. Without treatment, severe Early Onset Scoliosis can affect lung development, compress internal organs, and significantly impact long-term health.

I had never heard of Mehta casting. I didn't know there was a community of families navigating the same journey. I had no idea how important early treatment could be.

Julian underwent a year of serial Mehta casting, receiving a new cast every six weeks. After casting, he spent a year in a brace full-time and another year wearing a brace at night.

Today, Julian is eight years old and thriving.

His curve reached zero degrees by age two. He runs, plays, learns, and lives the life every parent hopes their child can have.

What I wish I had known is this:

Early treatment matters.

This condition is rare. You may need to advocate. You may need to research. You may need a second opinion.

But you do not have to navigate it alone.

Some of the greatest gifts during our journey were the parents who had walked this road before us and shared their experiences, encouragement, and practical advice.

One parent told me that babies and toddlers don't know everyone else isn't going through the same thing. This is simply their normal. That perspective brought me tremendous comfort, and it proved true for Julian.

Children often handle this journey better than we do.

About Gabe's Casts of Courage

I wrote Gabe's Casts of Courage: A Tale of Bravery During Diagnosis because I couldn't find many children's books that helped explain scoliosis, casting, medical procedures, and the emotions that come with a diagnosis.

After spending years helping nonfiction authors tell meaningful stories, writing became my own way of processing our family's experience. I'd watched client after client use storytelling to make sense of difficult seasons, and creating this book felt like the most natural thing in the world.

Inspired by Julian's real journey with Early Onset Scoliosis, the story follows Gabe as he navigates doctor visits, medical testing, casting, and the uncertainty that often accompanies a diagnosis.

Through courage, family support, and resilience, Gabe discovers that bravery doesn't mean you're not afraid—it means moving forward even when you are.

The book is designed for:

• Children with scoliosis
• Families navigating a new diagnosis
• Pediatric hospitals and clinics
• Therapists and child life specialists
• Grandparents and caregivers
• Classrooms and school libraries

I've been pleasantly surprised to see children as old as fifth grade engage deeply with the story. Today, the book is used by families, schools, and disability resource libraries to help children understand medical challenges and discover that they are stronger than they think.

About Leslie

I'm a storyteller, advocate, and mom based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Beyond scoliosis advocacy and writing, I help organizations communicate meaningful stories that inspire action and connection. I'm currently working on additional writing projects focused on resilience, healing, and the experiences that shape us.

When I'm not writing, you'll likely find me exploring a new adventure, trying aerial yoga, paddleboarding, roller skating, or finding creative ways to bring people together.

My mission is simple:

To help people feel seen, understood, and a little braver than they thought they could be.

Whether you've arrived here because your child was recently diagnosed, you're preparing for Mehta casting, you're worried about anesthesia, or you're simply looking for hope, I'm glad you're here.