Making improvements already

Amanda is really enjoying her AcquireC therapy. She really doesn't mind the cast. It is a nice weapon to knock people with and it makes a lot of noise when she smacks it against her high chair or other objects. She has been in a great mood. She has 1 or 2 therapists at a time entertaining her 6 hours per day, so she thinks that is neat. She doesn't mind the hard work at all because the reward is playtime, songs, new sensations, new noises etc. The therapists, (who are wonderful with her) Dory & Mary Rebekah, are working on all sorts of things from fine motor to gross motor to speech and educational skills. They use everything in the room from toys, to the couch, to drawers, lights, sinks, etc. to motivate her to move her right arm and hand. She has already made progress in just a few short days.

The night after her second day of therapy, she was laying in bed and had her eyes way up in her head. At first we were worried that she might be having a seizure, but then she busted out laughing. She thought it was pretty cool that she could look behind her and see the pretty headboard. She did this about six more times that night and laughed each time since she was so happy with her new skill. The therapists have been working hard to get her to look up and keep her head up and she is really improving. She has also actively reached out with her right hand and arm several times already. Everything they do with her encourages movement and use of her affected (weaker) side. Even when they leave, we use hand over hand feeding with her right arm to awaken those pathways in the brain and keep her thinking about that right side.

Both Dory and Mary Rebekah think Amanda has a lot of potential. That is exciting to hear. She definitely has a wonderful work ethic and is motivated to work hard and learn. Amanda is an amazing kid. I hope you enjoy the pictures. I will post more soon.