Connor, an 8 year old living with Cerebral Palsy, experienced limited body control and learning challenges due to the impact of his neurological disorder. Connor's parents were afraid that their son would be unable to keep up with his peers academically and socially.

Connor, a bright and happy boy, spent most of his time limited to his wheelchair and reliant upon constant attention and assistance from his parents and personal aides. Due to the neurological effects of Cerebral Palsy, Connor was unable to perform many of the physical movements most people take for granted, including standing and walking. Connor had difficulty moving his mouth and tongue, which made speaking and communicating with others quite challenging. Connor also experienced frequent and uncontrollable muscle spasms mainly with his arms and legs. Connor had to endure multiple surgeries over the years to facilitate proper body development and growth. Connor relied upon personal aides at school to wheel him around the classroom and playground as well as to write for him since he had very limited control of his arms and hands. Connor's parents did everything they could to care for him and create as normal a childhood as possible for him.

Connor wanted to be like all of the other kids his age. He wanted to have control over his body so that he could walk and play with his friends. Connor's parents wanted him to grow and develop both physically and cognitively. They wanted Connor to develop greater physical control and independence. They knew he was a smart boy, and they wanted to see him learn and keep up academically with his peers.

Before reviewing testing and medical reports, Falcone Institute met with Connor and his family to conduct an informal assessment to get to know his thoughts, feelings, and personality. It was evident from the first meeting that Connor was intelligent and full of life. Falcone Institute understood that Connor's limited movement impacted his cognitive development, particularly in terms of language processing and memory. Falcone Institute determined that as Connor developed body awareness and muscle control he would become a more independent learner and experience greater normalcy at school and at home.

Over the past year, Connor has participated in an individualized program designed to address his physical and learning needs. Connor participates in a holistic program that integrates mind and body to facilitate his neurological, emotional, and cognitive development. Falcone Institute has also worked closely with Connor's parents, personal aides, and teachers to educate and empower them with skills and methods to facilitate his personal development at home and at school.

Connor is currently enjoying the fourth grade with his peers. Connor is meeting and exceeding grade level expectations. Connor now independently pushes himself in his wheelchair and is able to walk with some support. Connor has improved his speech articulation, which has helped him become more social and involved with others. Connor's parents are so proud of his personal growth and are excited to watch and support him as he continues to develop. When Connor used to perform actions for the first time, such as voluntarily blinking, he would frequently say that he couldn't believe it. Connor has surpassed many of his personal expectations and now believes whole-heartedly in himself and his goals.

Cerebral Palsy