Jaxson was 3 years and 2 months old when his parents self-referred him to The Movement Centre. Jaxson has a diagnosis of Down Syndrome, and his movement development was delayed. When assessed at The Movement Centre, Jaxson was found to have problems with his movement control. Jaxson was supplied with a standing frame with support at pelvic level to consolidate his trunk control.

By the time Jaxson came for his first review 2 months later we could tell how hard he had been working.  He was walking forward with two hands held and was cruising along furniture, smashing his initial goals and as well as now being able to walk for short distances with his Nimbo walker. Due to his increased level of control the support on the standing frame was lowered.

Fast forward another 2 months, at his next review Jaxson’s confidence had increased and was now beginning to cruise between pieces of furniture and was starting to do a couple of steps with one hand held.  The pelvic strap on the standing frame was removed and Jaxson was now just being supported at his knees with a flat support at the back. At his next review Jaxson was still making progress and was now walking at least 10 steps with one hand held.

The progress that Jaxson has made has had such an impact on himself and his family. His Mum Clare said “Jaxson was showing a lot of frustration at not being able to mobile like his peers at nursery. It was also having an impact on both mine and his dad’s backs as we were needing to carry him from A to B, but now he has walked up to 200 metres independently. He’s able to get himself in and out of chairs. It’s meant we don’t need to carry him as much, he’s happy to walk holding hands and is showing much less frustration.”

“It has been life changing.  The course gave Jaxson the confidence to take those first steps and the pride on his face each time he walks by himself is 100% worth it.”