20 January 2022

The eye surgery really improved Nathaniel’s quality of life, and in more ways than just vision. On the evening after the surgery, Adina came into the room and said to him, "Hi Nathaniel, it's Adina, your favorite sister." And that's when he responded "Hi!" The "hi" was unclear and extremely crackly, but he spoke!

His eating has progressed. He eats more quantity and he is eating more chunky food. Instead of blending everything, we are mashing the food with a fork, which means that the pieces are bigger. In addition he is drinking a few sips from a cup!!!!! This is a big deal. Liquids slide in the mouth more so he has to be able to swallow fast.

He is more accurate with throwing the ball into the basket. He is successful from a sitting or standing position. We can even move the basket a bit further from him. He aims and then throws.

He now also holds his head up more when riding in a car and looks forward. He used to hold his head down. The PT and OT thought that maybe he looked down because the movement made him dizzy. This was one of the reasons to do the eye surgery.

He still has a way to go with vision rehabilitation, but he is headed in the right direction.