Story of Joshua: A Boy with a Brain Injury
NeuroMovement® Testimonial
“Our son, Joshua, is a charming and playful boy. At age two, however, he does not walk or crawl, and he does not have any formed speech. Joshua is struggling with the effects of cerebral palsy, due to a brain injury at birth.
Just seven weeks ago, at age 22 months, Joshua was able to sit up, but only in long sitting position; his back was very rounded; his balance was unstable and he often fell over. Once on his side, he was stuck, unable to manipulate himself up back up or down, he would just lie there.
His right arm was particularly spastic, which meant that it remained bent at his side, with hand in a fist, at most times and he rarely used the right hand. He hated to be on his tummy and would cry if put in that position.
He could only tolerate pureed food, and would gag or choke on any lumpy food. He was struggling with leg braces and eye glasses and was being encouraged to walk with a walker.
Since starting Anat Baniel Method [NeuroMovement] six weeks ago, Joshua has become much more mobile and seems to enjoy experimenting with new motor skills. This Method has given him more flexibility and more confidence.
Their first instruction was to stop trying to make him stand and walk, until he is able to do it on his own. Instead we should just allow him to play on the floor.
After the first Anat Baniel Method [NeuroMovement] lesson Joshua learned to move from sitting, slowly and carefully down to his side; he then rolls over and pushes himself up to sit with relative ease.
Over the past six weeks we have been overjoyed to see Joshua reach a number of other developmental milestones. His arm has loosened up and he will now chose to use his right hand for some things. He now spontaneously sits up straight some times.
He has learned how to move from sitting on his bottom, into side sitting and then into crawling position, on his hands and knees! Once on all fours, he can move his arms up and down, and then will often push himself back so that he is in kneeling position. From a kneeling position, he can then either play with banging both hands to the ground, back into crawling, or he will twist into side sitting.
At times, he will now play on his tummy without crying.
Over the last six weeks he has begun to experiment with all different textures of food.
Overall his balance has improved tremendously, and he will now also sit alone in side-sitting and cross-leg position.
In our minds there is no question that Anat Baniel Method [NeuroMovement] has made a huge difference in Joshua’s growth and development. We are so thankful to the Anat Baniel Method Foundation for the financial support to allow Joshua to continue to receive this wonderful treatment.”
—Danielle, Joshua’s Mom
