Over the last year and a half, we've been thrown into a world we knew nothing about. I found whatever I could online about anoxic brain injury and read tons of blogs. Some were helpful in just helping us to feel that we weren't alone. Others were helpful in telling what therapies worked well and which ones were not worth the effort. I've appreciated all of the help that others offered and in light of that, I'd like to let you know of the different projects we've come up with that have been helpful to Gus.

The Swing
This past spring, we made a swing, similar to the ones posted by others who have children with autism. I altered the design to use heavy duty upholstery material (super soft on one side) and made it with plenty of material so that he could grow with it. On one side I put snaps to support him so that he can sit sometimes while swinging. We put a dragon pillow in it for him to ride on when he is on his belly which helps support his head when he is a little too tired.

Eating
We've worked hard this past summer on having Gus eat by mouth with the goal of getting rid of his g-button. There were definitely some ups and downs but we've come far. One of the things that has made the biggest difference for Gus to want to eat is eating with us, especially the same food we eat. Now, if we are eating and holding him (after he has finished eating), he complains very loudly until we give him some of our food, until it is all gone (or at least until we say it is). Because he has done so well, the dietician said yesterday that we can cut back on more formula...hoping to be formula free very soon.

The Communication Board
To help with understanding him, our latest project is the communication board. A lot of the communication devices given to kids like him are electronic and expensive. Gus isn't at the point that he could get one of those (through insurance) but we needed to work on understanding him better so we made this board. Each of the objects represents something - the cloth diaper (to have his diaper changed), the red cup (to have a drink), the purple spoon (to eat some yummy food), the blue ball (to bounce on the exercise ball), and the pink wind-up butterfly (to play games with someone). As he gets faster, we'll add more options. The goal will be to have him look at the object and then touch the object that expresses what he wants to do. Eventually, we'd like him to be able to take them off and bring them to us (they are stuck on with a Velcro strip).

The Tricycle
Our next objective is to help him with walking. To help his brain establish the pattern needed for walking and running, a cycle is very helpful. The tricycles available for kids like Gus are pricey so we've bought a Radio Flyer trike with a long handle in the back (for the adult to steer with) and we're working on making a seat to support him. He loves being pushed around outside with his legs moving like that. We hope after a while he'll be walking better at therapy. I'll let you know when we finish with that one.

The Backpack
Last spring we started using a backpack for Gus. He rides on our backs when we go for walks. The rhythm of the walking and the outdoor input/stimulation has helped to calm him and give him the exercise he needs (he sits up straighter and his neck is stronger from it).

E-Stim
One of the therapies that have been really successful for Gus is E-Stim on his face. Twice a week, Gus has stickers put on his face that emit a small amount of electrical current, enough to stimulate the muscles to contract. Since this has started he has made new noises and is better at closing his lips.

HBOT
Many of the nearly-drowned children stories that I've read mention using HBOT, Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment chambers. They sound like they might help...but the cost is too much for us, thus we've not tried it yet.

Nutrition
For supplements, we've tried Spirulina and have seen remarkable difference within a few days for awareness with a quicker ability to respond. Also, we have not had any problems with his g-button irritating him as long as we keep up the spirulina and his daily dose of cod liver oil.

If I think of anything else, I'll let you know.