Discharged from PT

Josh was re-assessed for physical therapy back in June (1 year since we started).  He met his 6-month goals, but the bar was raised, so his age adjustment didn't move.  His physical therapist suggested we try going monthly to see if he'd progress at the same rate.  We did that and in October, he didn't do well.  She feared she made the wrong recommendation and wanted us to re-asses him after his 4th birthday. 

At some point in November, Josh started climbing stairs with alternating legs and no rail. His climbing at the park improved greatly and when we worked on hopping on one foot, he finally can get his right leg slightly off the ground.

We went the day after Thanksgiving.  She scored his results and he was discharged from PT because he tested in age range!!!!  Happy Thanksgiving!

Here is her discharge report:

"Josh scored an overall gross motor score of  -0.87 standard deviations (or z score) from the norm on the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales 2 test.  This score indicated overall gross motor skills within average ranges (-1.0 to 1.0 standard deviations).  He improved his standard score in the locomotion subtest by 2 improving from a 5 to a 7 in this section.  Typically 8-12 standard scores in each subtest area are considered within normal ranges within that subtest.  He also improved his object manipulation (ball skills) and stationary (body control/balance) by 1 each.  These improvements and an overall range from gross motor with within average rangees, indicates strong improvement by Josh in his gross motor skills.  Therefore, PT is no longer indicated for Josh at this time and discharge was discussed with his family.  It is recommended that he continue to have exposure to gross motor activity through community based activities such as playgrounds with siblings and friends....  Peabody 2 scores Josh's chronological age at 48 months."

48 months!!!  I hated seeing his ball skills and locomotion at 18 months for the longest time.  I'm very excited.  Way to go, Josh!  Way to go, Emma and Kate for all their play skills that helped push him along!

We were at a play ground recently and Josh was having trouble climbing up some platforms around a pole.  I helped him a few times, then he got it on his own.  When I was helping him, a little boy around 5-6 years old was asking Emma about Josh.  He asked how old he was, then questioned why he needed my help to climb since was able to that when he was younger than Josh.  Emma said that Josh just needs extra help sometimes just like her little sister does.  He said okay.  I loved that the little boy was comfortable asking questions, how Emma answered so perfectly with no hesitation, and that the little boy continued to embrace Josh and play with him and Emma.

We recently started classes at a special needs gym.  Josh is with 2 other little boys and enjoying it a lot.  I think it will be the perfect transition from PT to help maintain his gross motor skills and help rebuild his core muscles and coordination more.  In addition, it's a great opportunity to work on social skills, too.
For those in the Dallas area, check it out:
http://www.sensationalmovement.com/