Building Strength!

         We had a consult in Orlando at APH to see if Cyler was a candidate for their "intensive feeding clinic".  He had to perform a number of tasks in front of a group of specialists including a doctor, therapist, nutritionist, and social worker.  He did really well with the actual tasks.  I wasn't sure how it would go especially after he decided to tell the social worker that his name was "poop" when she asked him.  After the evaluation we were informed that they feel Cyler would benefit from the program.  YAY!   Now we just need to arrange transportation to and from Orlando 5 days a week for 4 weeks!  YIKES!
   
       Also, at the appointment a new diagnosis was thrown into the mix.  We were told that Cyler has low muscle tone, also known as Hypotonia. I was completely taken off guard with that one.  I never considered this even though all of the signs were right there in front of me.  Not being able to balance on one leg, being wobbly, and lack of shoulder definition.  I brought this up at our pediatricians office and we now have a physical therapy consult and a neurology consult.  He should have never been discharged from PT.  When he met his goals new ones should have been created.   The neuro concert is to address some of the self stimulating behaviors that Cyler has (dancing, vocal, and focusing).  So now we are taking our "learning" to a new level.  Focusing on gross and fine motor skills.

       We made Cyler a "busy board"  to work on his fine motor skills.  Some people have asked why I am teaching him to unlock things.  My son is 4 years old and already knows how to do these things.  If we have something under lock and key for his safety the key is not within his reach!  It's that simple!  Part of the board is a "geoboard".  It's just nuts and bolts placed so that he can use rubber bands to make various shapes.

     We also found a park far enough away from the road where Cyler can run.  He LOVED it!

 

     It was so awesome to see him run like this.  He is always active but tends to forget about safety. I think that it's a boy thing.   If we let go of his hand for any reason, he takes off running.   This park is PERFECT.  There is enough area to run and it's semi closed in by a fence.  Cyler has told us that next time we go that he would like to play soccer.  Sounds like a plan!