25 February 2022

Nathaniel went to a wedding a bit ago. Everyone noticed how he was looking straight ahead (after the eye surgery). Not only that, but he was looking from side to side as he was being pushed as part of the dancing. It was the line dancing in which north and south lines go forward and backward (in to the center and out) and then east and west do the same (Did I explain that clearly?). Nathaniel was part of one group (let's say north) and he was directing the south group with hand gestures to either come closer or move back. He was also directing the west group when to move. It means that he could see them! After a while, I noticed that his head was turned to the side. I assume was just because he was tired. His neck muscles are not strong after so long not holding his head to keep his face forward.

Nathaniel had a session with the speech therapist one evening. The next morning I asked him what they did. He pointed to his mouth and then he moved his finger around his lips. It was clear to me what he had done. He practiced eating and did mouth exercises. He has an iPad with a communication program installed. One day he seemed uncomfortable so I opened his iPad to the screen with body parts so he could show what was bothering him. He went directly to the picture of "belly". He had a tummy ache. I think he felt better just being able to let us know what was bothering him.