"We've seen him blossom."
You can count on finding Sean in a good mood. He's always laughing and smiling, never seems to be upset. He loves watching some favourite TV shows and his plush Husky dog is his favourite toy.
But at seven, he is fed by a bottle, which he's now able to hold himself. Sean has an undiagnosed global developmental delay. He speaks only an occasional word, but is able to interact in small ways. He slaps his hand when he wants more food, for instance.
Sean came to Holland Bloorview at age two. An early diagnosis of cerebral palsy had already been disproved, but no other explanation could be offered. He wasn't able to move much, and his parents' fear was that he would progress no further.
At Holland Bloorview, Sean began to slowly blossom. He has participated in many Holland Bloorview programs, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nutritional counselling, swimming, music and respite care.
Music is one of his favourite programs. His music therapist encourages him to interact by hanging chimes by his feet. She plays some music, then stops. If Sean wants her to continue, he has to kick the chimes. At first, nothing happened, but after many sessions, Sean started kicking. The therapy not only encourages interaction, but the use and strengthening of his legs.
As a result of years of intensive therapy and the positive influence of therapists, Sean is now able to stand on his own and walk with assistance: he climbs stairs while holding onto someone's hand, and uses a walker to get around. In fact, he loves to race. He can also sit up for as long as an hour without back support.
Because Sean still does not have a diagnosis, no one can predict what his future will bring. His mother, Patricia, tries not to think too far into the future. In the short term, she's confident that, "this is the year he'll starting walking on his own." She'd also love to see his ability to communicate develop further. "I know him. I can tell what he wants. It would be nice for others to understand him too."
