MY STORY – MICHAEL, WITH LUKE & CLASSMATES
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Michael has Down's Syndrome, a defect in his chromosome network. His parents first had him at a play centre for younger children and he came to us when he was 14.
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He could not speak, he sucked his thumb, he could not read and rocked himself backwards and forwards. Michael has been at NHC now for 3 years and can count up to 20. He can speak but with a guttural tone. He socialises with all the other pupils, and has stopped sucking his thumb as well as his rocking movements.
Michael works in the Tuckshop every break, sorting out all the stock daily, by colour and size. In his leisure time he also races 4x4 vehicles successfully with his father, acting as the navigator. They have won several awards together for 1st or 2nd position. Michael thrives on practical activities and this is where we need support to maximise his capabilities.
Luke is very similar but only started at NHC this year and still doesn’t speak. He had a hearing problem but this has now been eradicated as it was found to be compacted ear wax over a long period of time when he was young. He has marked oral-motor incompetence and low muscle tone which requires both speech therapy and occupational therapy. However, he loves to draw and colour as well as play sport and tackle physical challenges. He now copies his teacher’s speech movements to develop a stronger articulation pattern.
Ambesa has gross and fine motor problems – this means that it is very difficult for him to have smooth body movement. He has a sense of clumsiness and battles with certain games and activities that require eye-hand co-ordination. Fine motor control problems mean that he battles to hold a pen, paint brush, fork etc. He also has verbal and non verbal low IQ. He needs a lot of physical stimulation and colourful work material to stimulate his mind. Again, this requires special equipment and occupational therapy type ‘toys’ like Pilates balls, rolling mats, climbing stacks etc.
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Jondre is paralysed down the left side of his body and has suffered from a developmental delayed syndrome (where the body develops quicker than mind at age ratio). He loves life, laughing with people and reading - especially colourful picture books. Jondre battles to carry out certain tasks but he always tries.
Jason, the little boy wearing glasses is bridging to get to grade 2. He has speech difficulties and the team at NHC are working hard to develop the skills he will need in the future.
