Physiotherapy

Kai is unable to walk, sit unaided or talk. He has gained a lot of head control over the last year, but still due to his tone can lose control easily. Kai has a special chair to sit in at home, for playing and feeding in. He also has a standing frame which he uses daily. He wears orthotic splints when he does his standing, this helps to keep his ankles in the correct place for standing, physiotherapy has become a routine part of Kai's day.

Although he has an excellent NHS physio who he sees weekly, we knew he needed more than this to give him the best future, and so in August 2008 Kai began treatment at Cerebral Palsy Physiotherapy Centre Limited in Flitwick, Bedfordshire http://www.cppcltd.co.uk/. The centre specialises in the provision of tailored therapy for children and adults with Cerebral Palsy. Kai undergoes intensive physiotherapy to enable him to become stronger.

The centre has been a fantastic help and Kai has become stronger with his head and trunk. Hopefully, in time, he will gain full head control and be able to sit unaided. Kai found this treatment so hard in the beginning, with an hour and half of screaming! Sometimes we questioned if we were doing the right thing? But over the months, the screaming got less and Kai started to listen and do as asked by his physio. They spend time in making him gain more control of him arms, allowing him now to put pressure on his arms and push off them. His sitting has come on a lot, and while he is still not able to sit unaided, he is getting there.

We were told by numerous professionals that it would always be very slow progress with Kai and they were right, but at least it is progress.

Feeding

Kai has found feeding extremely difficult. Reflux has been a real problem and resulted in extreme discomfort for Kai during or after eating. The first year we had to play something musical through every drink and meal!!! In time it has got better, but still is very hard work through every meal. The hospital has discussed tube feeding, but this is not a road we want to go down at the moment as each day is different. We will carry on for as long as he is well enough. Kai has improved over 3 years, so we hope it carries on like this. He has to have all his food mashed up and he has a "Thick and Easy" formula in every drink.

Our cheeky monkey!

Kai is a joy to be around. When he smiles he lights up a room. He is a cheeky little boy, who has all his family wrapped around his finger! He knows what he wants and what he doesn't. Even though he can not talk, he lets you know...by screaming usually!! But he gets the message across. Kai loves anything musical! Particularly books that make noise and toys that light up. His favorite programme is "In The Night Garden". He is starting at Grangewood School Nursery, Pinner in September and we are all very excited about this. Kai loves being around other children so he will be in his element at school.