Six-year-old AJ has sat up unaided for the first time after Team Courtyard Care worked tirelessly to help him build strength.
AJ was born with the genetic condition Spinal Muscular Atrophy, which causes progressive muscle weakness and loss of movement due to muscle wasting.
During his life so far, AJ hasn’t been able to sit unaided or lift his head on his own, but that’s changed thanks to the tireless work of Team Courtyard Care.
Service Manager Sarah Lonergan says that their efforts have all been worth it.
Sarah said: “We’re so thrilled that AJ has come so far, and to see him sit up and watch his iPad on his own is truly amazing.
“Over the past few months, the team has encouraged him to look at things at a higher level with head support.
“Once he’d achieved a good level of head support, we started working on his core strength and using stretching and distraction techniques.
“When we began this work, he had high back support in his chair, but we’ve slowly removed pieces of support as his strength has improved.
“So, seeing him achieve this progress has been simply joyful.”
AJ was able to sit for over an hour with his iPad without any support for the first time in his life.
Sarah added: “I’m so proud of AJ and the team who have supported and empowered him to make such incredible progress.
“Their dedication and care are exceptional, and it’s given a little boy the belief that he can continue to achieve his goals.”
