Nathaniel understands more and more and is able to respond faster. He had a substitute physical therapist for one session. She didn’t know what to expect or what he could do. She was amazed that everything she asked him to do he was able to do, and his response time was fast. She is sure that he understood everything she said. We just need to find the key to help him communicate and "unlock" .
He is now able to sit in a regular arm chair. So, during therapy sessions, he doesn’t sit in his wheelchair. At home, he can join us at the table and sit in a regular chair. It takes a lot of strength and concentration to do that, but he is ready.
I bought him a bracelet of bells thinking that he would like to use it during music therapy. One of the aides said that he should wear it at night so that if he needs anything he can call someone. Sure enough that night, he rang the bells. His head had fallen into an uncomfortable position and he was able to alert the aide. What power he has now! He can actually let someone know that he needs something!
Swallowing is still a challenge, but we are working on it. Due to the Gaza rockets, there were some sirens in Raanana. The aides just moved his bed into the safe room so that he would not be in danger. He missed a few days of therapy because we felt it was not safe to be on the road if there would be an attack.