Tommy doesn't follow charts (Part 2)

We always have been very impressed of Tommy's gross motor spurts. A year ago, I wrote about Tommy doesn't follow charts. Well, It is happening again! Tommy started to independently walk by the beginning of August. So he has been walking for about 3 months and since then until today he is:

• Running short distances, the first day I saw him running was on September 23, 2010. He can run fast holding his shopping cart toy.
• Transferring from one surface to other without falling.
• Walking and running on the grass without falling.
• Stepping up with assistance on the sidewalk with one hand supported, but without wiggling.
• Walking up starts holding the rail with both hands and doing one step at time without assistance. He alternates feet if he walks up stairs both hands supported.
• Walking down the stairs holding the rail and holding my hand. He alternates feet, but need more practice coming down the stairs.
• Beginning to step one step at time going up the stairs with one hand holding the rail and the other one holding a toy. He walked up the stairs one hand holding the rail all by himself on October 23, 2010.
• Beginning to march on October 20, 2010. He looks so cute when he marches, but he has sporadically done it.
• Getting out to the front porch holding the wall and stepping down all by himself. The first time I saw him doing it was on October 30, 2010.
• Getting in and out of his chair at the dinner table.
• Getting the idea of jumping.
• Getting the idea of riding a tricycle. Every time we go to Walmart, we go to the bike section and try all the tricycles. Tommy has been able to pedal once. I am glad he is getting the idea of how to do it, so it won't take longer for him to enjoy riding a tricycle when his body gets stronger. I have noticed he does better with the Classic Radio Flyer trike.

Video of Tommy days after he began to run

Video of Tommy going up the stairs

using both hands to support himself.

This is one of first time Tommy

went up the stairs by himself

November 8th, 2010

Tommy went up the stairs for the first time holding the rail

and letting one hand free without holding a toy.

Helping Tommy's body getting stronger

• We installed a stair rail which it has been a great help for Tommy. Every time he steps on the stairs, his legs muscles get stronger. Every time he uses his arm to push his body forward, he strengths his arms, shoulders and torso. So I try that Tommy uses the rail every time he goes up and down the stairs.
• We walk with Tommy everywhere we go. We just use the stroller just if it is extremely necessary. Putting him on the stroller is so easy, but he doesn't get any physical benefit on his torso which is area that has been more affected for the hypotonia (low muscle tone). Walking is a natural excierse that strength his torso without the presure of doing physical therapy.
• Toys that we are using for physical strength Tommy's upper body are: trampoline, tunnel, walking bike and shopping cart.

Why are we using the trampoline before the spinal x-ray to check for *atlanto-axial instability?

I talked to the Doctor in charged of the local Down Syndrome Clinic about using a trampoline and she said the trampoline was alright for my son to use because he doesn't have the gross motor skills to do rough neck movements such as, jumping and flipping on the trampoline, which it is true! He climbs on the trampoline that help to strength his upper-body and he also holds the bar to stand and kneel in repetitive motions that help to strengh his shoulders and legs. Ironically, my son's balance is better when he is on unstable surfaces, so he has a better balance on the trampoline. Tommy got the trampoline as a birthday gift and he likes to be on the trampoline!

A small trampoline is used as therapeutic tool in the book Gross Motor Skills for kids with Down Syndrome by Patricia C. Winders, P.T. The author uses to begin practicing bouncing as a first step to jump. Our Physical therapist also recommended it to us and she has been supporting Tommy physical development since he was 2-month old. I feel very confident she knows Tommy's gross motors strength and weakness.

We saw Tommy holding his head up for the first time when he was a day old. If we would had to work on strengthening his neck when he was little, I wouldn't be using the trampoline. But he didn't need therapy for his neck.

My advise to other parents that may read my blog is to always talk to your therapists and health care providers before using any gymnastic equipment because what may work for one child may not work for other.

I enjoy watching how much he is progressing in a short period of time. I keep praying his gross motor spurt stay longer enough to get his body stronger and he can catch up with the gross motor skills appropriate to his age because his physical development is very important to support his social skills.

Tommy's fashion today is according to

daddy's fashion style. He looks cute anyway!

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* According to the National Down Syndrome Congress, Atlanto-axial instability or AAI describes an increased flexibility between the first and second bones of the neck. Most individuals with Down syndrome have some increased flexibility of joints, called ligamentous laxity, which can affect any of their joints. AAI refers to this condition when it affects the joint between the first and second cervical vertebrae. For more details please visit the National Down Syndrome Congress website.