December 20, 2016
by: Emily Hastings
Brennan
Brennan started coming to UCP for therapy in March 2014 when he was two and a half years old. He has a diagnosis of Athetoid Cerebral Palsy, which is characterized by uncontrolled, involuntary movements and makes it very hard for him to move and maintain positions in his everyday life. When Brennan first began therapy, he would cry and scream, throwing his body backward to the floor to get away. He could not play with toys and would just swat at them because he was not able to hold them in his hands. However, the large swing was Brennan’s saving grace – where he found his happy place. It gave him the movement and freedom he craved while simultaneously allowing his therapists to work on strengthening his core muscles.
After nearly three years of hard work, Brennan understands that therapy can help him reach the things or people he wants. He is able to sit up on his own on the floor for up to five minutes while playing, where previously he could only lie down on the floor in order to play without someone’s assistance. He is also able to hold toys, pass them from hand to hand, as well as interact and pass them to others. He loves watching how others play and tries to mimic them.
Although Brennan is not able to talk, he is able to point to things he wants. With the help of his new communication device, he is also beginning to verbalize his wants and needs. He is also starting to learn how to drive a power chair, so that in the future he will be able to maneuver around his environment without assistance.
Brennan works tirelessly during every therapy session. In fact, he is near falling asleep at the end of each session because it takes so much energy for him to move due to his Athetoid Cerebral Palsy. But his tenacity is amazing; he never gives up when he is trying to do something. He may have to take a break part way through, but he will never give up!
Brennan’s parents, grandparents, and therapists are in awe of the changes and successes that Brennan has achieved since coming to UCP and cannot wait to see what his future holds.
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