Jaxon’s comparatively slower rate of development has left him lacking a little bit of confidence when it comes to play – as well as delayed walking and talking abilities. To help with his physical development, Satan’s Little Helper got him a different type of home gym, so he can carry out a different type of full body workout!
Jaxon was born with an extremely rare genetic condition called Townes-Brocks syndrome, which results in almost complete deafness in one ear and partial deafness in the other. He was also born with kidney disease and hypothyroidism.
Jaxon’s problems with hearing have also delayed his verbal development. He’s nearly three years old and can’t talk properly, explains his mum Rochelle.
“When he ‘talks’, it doesn’t sound like normal words – it’s just a random collection of sounds. He has constant appointments at the audiologists to see how his hearing is developing, and hopefully we can help him make improvements there.”
No help available
A cochlear implant would change Jaxon’s life for the better but, because his hearing isn’t bad enough in both ears, he doesn’t qualify for one.
“Even though he’s deaf in one ear and essentially deaf in the other, he isn’t bad enough in both ears to receive funding for a cochlear implant, so we’re just taking it one day at the time.”
Jaxon’s lack of physical development has also been a cause for concern, says Rochelle.
“His thyroid doesn’t work properly, which means he’s struggled to put on weight. It’s another big concern for us at the moment, as he’s in the bottom third percentile for weight and height, so he’s been placed on a course of growth hormones to help with that.”
Full body confidence booster
As he’s smaller in stature compared to other children his age, Jaxon struggles to pluck up the courage to join them in play. Rochelle told Satan’s Little Helper that something for her boy to use at home would work wonders for that – and it would help him build balance, coordination and strength throughout his whole body.
With that in mind, Satan’s Little Helper chipped in to provide Jaxon with a climbing foam play set with a ball pit! Rochelle says it has made an immediate impact.
“It has quickly become one of his favourite toys and it’s been amazing for me to see him play with it. It makes me so proud watching him – he’s already come so far, as he’s confident walking on it and he’s learning to jump off it too. When it first arrived, he was a lot more cautious with his play.
“I’ve noticed an improvement in his balance and he’s able to walk more without falling over, so I would say it’s been a great success for him.”
Fingers crossed
Jaxon is currently at pre-school but is forced to miss a lot of it due to hospital appointments and illness, which means his social and play confidence isn’t as developed as some of the other children.
However, Rochelle is hopeful that will change shortly!
“The play set will help him gain confidence, so he can play more with his peers when he’s at pre-school, which will be amazing to see.”
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