11 January 2026

Nathaniel is learning how to cough on command. Next he will learn how to clear his throat (ahem). This shows that he has gained the ability to control his throat which he wasn’t able to do since the attack.

Continuing with his mouth area, Nathaniel is working on saying, "la, la, la". The sound takes a lot of coordination between moving his tongue to the roof of his mouth behind his teeth and down again, as well as exhaling air past his vocal chords just right.

Nathaniel has started to laugh in a more advanced manner. Rather than just a one-syllable "ha", he now laughs "ha ha ha" in rapid exhalations. Again, remarkable progress.

Nathaniel went to an event where he saw a former caregiver who he hadn't seen in more than a year and a half. At first, I wasn't sure that he remembered him, but then Nathaniel flashed his big smile. The caregiver was focused on something else but Nathaniel patted his hand to get his attention. He clearly remembered this special person, indicating his ability to remember well and to act on it.