Heal Nick

It was a different and encouraging week for Nicholas, as he was able to break from his normal schedule. On Tuesday he made a guest appearance at the MGH Institute of Health Professions and was the subject for a group of 2nd year PT students, evaluating transfer abilities, gait and balance. Look closely at the 2nd picture in the Photo Gallery and you’ll note Nicholas standing with both crutches raised. The teacher is not touching him. She’s only in a position to catch or correct him if he loses his balance. He was timed do this with his eyes both open and closed and far exceeded expectations. As usual he loved performing for his audience.

On Thursday Nicholas joined a new friend, also recovering from a brain injury, and their common PT for a joint session in a pool. It went extremely well with both enjoying the interaction. It was obvious to me that they were an inspiration to each other and this should develop into a good and mutually beneficial relationship. These joint sessions will now be a weekly occurrence. Check-out the recent pictures in the Photo Gallery

Nicholas logged in another good week. He seems to enjoy using the Lingraphica laptop, finds it stimulating, and it has certainly added to his communication skills. We have made arrangments for him to meet this week another brain injury recovery person, who lives about 15 minutes down the road in Gloucester. This person is close to Nicholas’ age and plays the piano. Nicholas PT and Speech Therapist feel the interation will have a positive influence on both.

Looking to the future, Nicholas now has a new email address (nicholasmrobbins@gmail.com). Although he has not regained his reading comprehension, if anyone cares to send him a message, I will be sure it’s read to him.

One of the reasons we love to live in New England is to experience a week of beautiful autumn weather, as we did this week. Cool nights for sleeping and warm, clear days for invigorating outdoor activities. And no one enjoyed it more than Nicholas, as evidenced by the expressions on his face (check-out the Photo Gallery) during an afternoon spent on the boat cruising around the bay. The smile’s been there ever since we returned from our trip.

Nicholas is testing driving a Lingraphica, introduced by his speech therapist. It’s a fascinating, interactive laptop designed to improve communication and thought processing skills. Take a few minutes and check-out http://www.aphasia.com/patients/product.aspx and click on “video demonstration” (left side menu). This device seems to have captured his attention and I expect using it will have some very positive results.

very impressed with your latest report nic keep up the spirit noticable you have been working hard what a nice way to welcome your parents home ..much love and big hugs “ole grams”

It’s good to be back home after 3 1/2 weeks to find Nicholas in great shape. I think he thrived on the separation and getting out from under the watchful eyes of doting (if you will) parents. It’s obvious he was able to establish in his mind a certain degree of independence. We will certainly be more aware of this in the future. Physically there was a noticeable improvement in his balance and ability to get around on crutches. He very rarely uses a walker now. Mentally, he readily participates in conversations, offers opinions, asks questions and generally displays more initiative. It was also great to realize his wonderful sense of humor has returned.