Hip helpers

Our evaluation went well with Early On. We met with an evaluator and a physical therapist. The physical therapist worked with him for about 30 minutes. She said his joints are very flexible and loose with below average muscle tone for his age. This is most likely because he's very laid back & content. He doesn't have a whole lot of motivation to move because he's usually pretty happy where he is.

She said he's at an 8 month level for his gross motor skills. Otherwise, he's on track for the rest. He feeds himself just fine and babbles appropriately. PT gave us some exercises to do with him. She is hopeful he will make progress quickly. He already improved during the eval. He qualifies for the program, so she comes once a week for one hour.

His first session, she put these on Dominick. They're called Hip Helpers. They're little spandex shorts with the legs sewn together. When he spreads his legs apart, it gives him a wider base so he's more comfortable. The huggers keep his thighs closer together forcing him to go up on his knees when he wouldn't normally while he's on his belly. She suggested LOTS of tummy time. She also showed us some exercises/games to do with him to strengthen his core and back muscles. We're borrowing her shiny bright pink pair of Hip Helpers until our black ones get here.

We've had one session with PT and he's already able to get himself from a sitting position down to his belly when he wants to. That's going to be our biggest hurdle.

Here's a video Jason's sister took while they were here for Dom's birthday. Just to give you an idea of his mobility status.