Drake #6-10

DOB: 2008
Diagnosis: Freeman-Sholden Syndrome (a form of arthrogryposis)

Drake has made significant improvements in the past year. His physical strength has greatly improved. He’s now sitting up independently, pulling up onto his knees in the bed and is working hard to learn to get himself to a complete stand position. When placed against support, he can stand and hold on to something. He can get around independently in a walker and wheelchair. He is working with a physical therapist and learning to crawl. He drinks from a cup independently and eats from a spoon. He plays appropriately with toys and will mimic any action that he’s shown. He still prefers to use his left hand, but he is beginning to manipulate objects with his right hand as well. He enjoys playing board games with other children. He differentiates between familiar adults and strangers. He responds appropriately to praise and to correction. He repeats words that are said to him and is beginning to spontaneously talk. He understands what is said to him and follows verbal directions.

The agency has several photos and videos from January 2013. In the videos, Drake is walking in a gait trainer, standing up at a PT bar, following verbal directions and interacting with staff. Drake is in a very nice orphanage that has many resources. The orphanage’s location allows for easy travel for adoptive parents and also allows for the adoption trips to be shortened.

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.