I was quite surprised when I was offered to trial Alistair in the "Tiger Cub" electric wheelchair. I guess I wasn't expecting him to be ready for it or perhaps thought that was something that would be introduced many years from now. That is the wonderful part of having all the folks at the Child Development Center (CDC) focusing on your child, they are always ten steps ahead considering when to bring out the next thing along with the realistic expectations to hold for that child. All they wanted to see Alistair do was have some sort of interest and awareness in his movement. It didn't matter how he moved or where he moved as long as he did AND HE DID! I didn't quite catch the "magic moments" on the videos but at least you get a taste of his accomplishments. When going down the hallway he would stop at windows as well as various artwork on the wall. Although he wasn't looking where he was going he was obviously looking around. It was so super neat. After a few more trials at CDC we will get to take the chair home for a month or so and see if we can get him to purposefully use the thing. So thankgoodness for our open concept one level home.
I did ask Pat Hamilton, the occupational therapist, if one had to worry whether he would stop or loose interest in working on his other mobility such as getting up on all fours or standing as perhaps his mobility with the wheelchair would be easier or more interesting. I guess the research shows that such chairs tend to encourage mobility all around as they become more aware and interested in their overall surroundings. Also, I guess its been proven to enhance the childs intellectual ability as well. So its all very heart warming to see that he passed his first little drivers test and is possibly opening a whole new world for himself!
I was quite surprised when I was offered to trial Alistair in the "Tiger Cub" electric wheelchair. I guess I wasn't expecting him to be ready for it or perhaps thought that was something that would be introduced many years from now. That is the wonderful part of having all the folks at the Child Development Center (CDC) focusing on your child, they are always ten steps ahead considering when to bring out the next thing along with the realistic expectations to hold for that child. All they wanted to see Alistair do was have some sort of interest and awareness in his movement. It didn't matter how he moved or where he moved as long as he did AND HE DID! I didn't quite catch the "magic moments" on the videos but at least you get a taste of his accomplishments. When going down the hallway he would stop at windows as well as various artwork on the wall. Although he wasn't looking where he was going he was obviously looking around. It was so super neat. After a few more trials at CDC we will get to take the chair home for a month or so and see if we can get him to purposefully use the thing. So thankgoodness for our open concept one level home.
I did ask Pat Hamilton, the occupational therapist, if one had to worry whether he would stop or loose interest in working on his other mobility such as getting up on all fours or standing as perhaps his mobility with the wheelchair would be easier or more interesting. I guess the research shows that such chairs tend to encourage mobility all around as they become more aware and interested in their overall surroundings. Also, I guess its been proven to enhance the childs intellectual ability as well. So its all very heart warming to see that he passed his first little drivers test and is possibly opening a whole new world for himself! 
He looks very cute in the videos, but in particular in the second picture from the top. How are yo doing ? you are not in the videos. take one of both of you guys.
ReplyDeleteWe're all doing really well. I have to say though I'm super happy that spring is arriving...I've felt a little house bound this winter...Now that the roads are not skating rinks anymore we can get out for a stroll in the mornings like this morning..Its just gorgeous out lately. I know I'll have to get someone to take pics of me so I can post my larger then life self! LOL Feeling great though and all is well on this prego adventure.:D
DeleteWhat another great leap in Alistair's accomplishments. You are doing a super job Julie keep working on the positive !
ReplyDeletewith 2 months to go I am sure you are ready to introduce Alistair to his sibling ASAP best wishes Auntie Rosi
Thanks Aunt Rosi! We are pretty pumped with his accomplishments. It'll be interesting to see where this takes him after some exposure to the little chair on a regular basis. I'm sure another little munchkin in the house will be incredibly good for him and stimulating as I'm sure mama gets a tad boring at times :D
DeleteSo neat to see Alistair moving around. Joelle says" GO Alastair GO put you hand on that thing." Another wonderful video!
ReplyDeleteValerie and Joelle
Thats so cute Valerie...I love that he has a cheer leading squad!
Delete