Thomas’ session at Ability Camp is winding down – his final days! He has made noticeable gains that are only possible by repeatedly calling on his attention to function and be independent.
Thomas’ class has been unusually small; only 3 children so the ratio of 2 staff is excellent. The other two students are very close to independently walking so Thomas has a constant pair of hands available to him to be mobile. He is also the only verbal child, so his communication dominates the class and further feeds his participation.
Thomas had no issues settling in after a 3 year absence. Initially shy with his greetings, he quickly overcame that and fell into familiar socialization with staff he remembers well. His Hungarian teacher Krisztina who has worked with him since the age of 2 is very impressed with his participation which was not always reliable in the past.
Thomas new classmates are Dylan, 6 from Ottawa and Ella 5 ½ from New Jersey…
Dylan was born without a large part of his right hemisphere; he suffers from seizures and partial blindness, his right eye missing completely. Despite huge obstacles, he came to Ability Camp a year ago in his wheelchair and is very close to walking independently! A huge break, particularly in spite of a grim prognosis of never walking of surpassing the intellect of a 2 year old. Dylan is here with his mom, grandma and 20 month old niece, London who Thomas has a crush on; he grabs hugs whenever he can - traumatizing her, often taunting her with chants of “London falling Down…”
Ella is 5½ and suffered distress in the womb; her oxygen supply was spared from a shared placenta with her identical sister. She is here with her mom Tammy, who is an outspoken advocate for children with special needs. A former school administrator, Tammy is now well placed on the other side of the table and fights for services for children whose quality would otherwise be spared. She is also in the process of publishing a parent handbook. Ella has done numerous intensive therapies including Medek, “Suit”, Stem Cells and ABA – a behavioural therapy used for autistic children. Speech therapists and conductors from Hungary have lived in her home for stretches of time - the integration of Ella’s therapy is constant and intense. She is living proof of “feeding the system” and the resources Tammy has secured thru the school board alone is staggering. She is someone you want to have on your side; she is fierce and effective with her expectations and demands. Tammy makes me look like a kitten!
All three children have been to Ability Camp several times, which helps on a multiple of fronts. I’m always intrigued and educated by surrounding myself with hands-on parents who are on a quest to improve the lives of their children.
Thomas loves to going to class, his participation is high; he is engaged. He proudly shows off his stickers at the end of the day as well as his artwork. He has dramatically increased his endurance and interest in use of the walker – up to a 200+ feet span of the building, and despite many rainy days, relentlessly requests to “walk outside”. We continue to persevere with potty training and several mornings have been dry (diapers only used at night). Thomas’ balance and coordination have also improved – he is able to crawl on unprotected floor surfaces (i.e. uncarpeted/padded) without his safety helmet. Despite my initial reservations (past injuries resulting n stitches) both Krisztina and Kevin (owner) cautioned that too much safety net inhibits Thomas from learning to self-protect. They were right, it worked and Thomas now has the freedom and responsibility to be helmet free.
I have also observed more control in Thomas’ finer motor movements; he more readily challenges himself to complicated tasks like unscrewing the toothpaste lid, turning faucets or working thru puzzle pieces without knobs. His attention and patience are up; he’ll work for 5 minutes to produce a piece of gum from its plastic shell.
I attribute the more refined outcomes to the hyperbaric oxygen; my sense/observations over the years have consistently led me to perceive greater clarity, control and ease in Thomas including his verbal articulation and response rate. I maintain that the less physical, more intellectual gains are far more powerful and essential to function (but we certainly strive for all).
Thomas is also participating in a new introductory “Auditory Integration Therapy” (AIT) a sound/music program that delivers varying degrees of sensory input through a headset for 30 minutes each day. Through repeated sessions (over 20 days), the purpose is to heighten awareness to Thomas’ surroundings which in turn will lessen barriers like poor attention, irritability, impulsivity that interfere with behaviour and learning.
While it’s difficult to measure, I appreciate the opportunity for Thomas to experiment with something new/inventive that complements his other therapies. Behaviour and awareness are very meaningful and tangible goals Thomas struggles with and he has certainly made gains in these areas; he is more engaged in all aspects of his life, more social, more functional. For a child with cerebral palsy these are quintessential qualities that promote development and success.
As we wrap up out final days, I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who supported Thomas on his return to Ability Camp. Your interest, encouragement and financial assistance have made his journey and continued progress possible. You have taken him to a new level of function.
I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the many friends and family who provided loving homes and care to Adrienne. Thomas is looking forward to seeing his sister, his Dad, (LeChing) and coming Home!
I look forward to sharing Thomas’ ongoing journey with you in the near future.
Thanks again,
Linda
PS For those wishing to support Thomas’ current and future efforts, please see left side bar or website for ways to help
