Well, Ryder finished up Kennedy Krieger on Monday, April 7th! I was hoping to post some videos of his progress but the website I use (One True Media) is closing, so not only can I not upload there anymore, I’m actually going to lose all the video’s I have posted throughout this blog! I love looking back and playing the videos at any point in time, so I’m really bummed about that. But I promise to start a YouTube account and get some new videos on here soon!
But just a recap for now. They were very happy with Ryder’s progress while he was at Kennedy Krieger. They did the same test on the last day that they did on the first day and you could see SUCH a change in the way he was able to manipulate objects, and successfully complete tasks that he struggled with just 5 weeks before!
Since he has been home, he has regressed, which is always to be expected. We’ll catch him fisting or trying to do something one handed, but with a quick reminder he can usually open that hand up and start using it the way he should. He gained some MAJOR skills through the program though so no matter what it was all worth it. He is now able to get his shirt, pants, and underwear both on and off! He’s also able to open baggies and drinks and containers. These things are so important to his independence and ability to help himself. With these new skills has developed a new level of confidence, you can see the pride beaming from him when he accomplishes something that he knew he struggled with so much before!
At his first regular therapy session after we were back home, they tested his goals and he was meeting them left and right! Goals he wasn’t planned to meet until the end of the year! So now they were able to make new goals and have him start working on more challenging things, like putting on/taking off socks & shoes, cutting on the line, doing small buttons, etc.
We had his IEP meeting at school last week and they too are so happy with his progress this year. His handwriting has really improved, his ability to participate in gym class and keep up with the other kids, putting his bookbag on or taking it off, unzipping it, packing/unpacking it, a lot of things he required extra help with in the beginning of the year, he is ending the year being able to do by himself! This is so comforting for me to hear, I never want him to struggle. I got to meet his Kindergarten teacher and hear the ways that she will plan to help him succeed in her classroom (again so comforting) and they will continue giving him Occupational Therapy once a week next year.
Okay now back to reality, I will update on the kids soon, they are being as crazy and funny as ever, can’t wait to share them with you!
