Bowden #4-2
DOB: 2008
Diagnosis: congenital hydrocephalus
medical records include head circumference measurements plotted throughout his life
UPDATE In 2012, he received a shunt with good post surgical results. His hydrocephalus is now well managed and he’s making good progress in his development. An update on his development will be coming soon.
Bowden has hydrocephalus and delays in his development as a result. However, he has made tremendous gains in all aspect of his development in the past 6 months. He has a significant bond with his physical therapist and responds very well to the rehabilitation program and all the adults that are working with him to improve his development.
Bowden walks with support (holding one hand). He sits independently, crawls and walks in a walker. He climbs up the slide and on other therapy toys independently. He can stand next to an unmoving support holding on with one hand and play with a toy with the other hand. He can get to toys or anywhere he wants to go independently. He uses his left hand more than his right, though he will manipulate objects with both hands. When asked to pick up an object or find a toy, he actively looks for it and correctly identifies the requested item. He follows verbal directions. He cleans up the play area and puts the toys away in a toy box. His report says that he insists on cleaning up without anyone helping him when he’s done playing. He smiles, laughs, cuddles with adults, gives kisses on request, waves “hi” and cheers when given praise. He looks at himself in a mirror, says “hi” to his reflection and then gives it kisses. He loves having the attention of adults and will get sad when his therapy time is done. He loves to listen to music and sings along with the songs. He can perform some of the motions to dances and loves to dance along with any music. He is learning the names of his body parts, will show his teeth when asked if they are clean after brushing and will gesture with his hand when asked to show that he is “this big”. His speech is delayed, but he can say over 10 words. He pronounces a lot of sound combinations and his speech is continuing to develop. He mimics words and 2 word phrases and is beginning to put words together in questions and sentences. He’s had a significant gain in his verbal expression in the past 6 months. He is working very hard to learn to feed himself independently and is successful at feeding himself with a spoon. He needs minimal assistance. He drinks independently from an open cup. He plays well with other children.
UPDATE 2013: Bowden is now TALKING! He loves asking questions and if no one answers him, he answers himself! He’s also learned to feed himself with a spoon. He has a best friend in his group, a little girl who he enjoys playing with. He is now playing appropriately and purposefully with toys and actively participating during learning times. He is showing a curiosity of the world around him and is eager to explore and learn.
UPDATE Feb 2013: He is now living with the physical therapist from his orphanage and she is working with him to help him continue to make progress until a family can be found for him. He still spends his days at the orphanage, In the newest videos, he is walking down the hall holding just one hand of the adult, feeding himself, talking, naming body parts and identifying objects in a book and following verbal directions. He continues to make great progress in all aspects of his development.
We have several photos and videos of Bowden as well as a detailed medical report for interested families.
Because we only have this child’s file for a short time, he will not be able to receive donations until a family is found for him.
