AZAD (AGE 6)

An eager boy who now looks forward to each class with excitement.

When Azad first came to Ronahî, he spent most of his days lying on the floor at home, playing video games. Because of spasticity in his limbs and weakness in his muscles, he couldn’t sit up straight or lift his head, and his family didn’t know how to help him.

At first, Azad found the classroom less exciting than the constant stimulation of video games he was used to at home. After so much visual and auditory input, the calm pace of school felt unfamiliar, and it took time for him to adjust. He often wanted to go back home to his TV instead. But with daily therapy and steady encouragement, Azad began to find his rhythm. As his neck and trunk grew stronger, he could sit upright, lift his head, and focus on what was happening around him. Now, he looks forward to each class, eager to take part in activities and connect with his teachers.

Recently, he moved from a specialized support chair to a regular classroom chair, a milestone that made him feel included with his peers. His mother laughs that he now says, “Turn off the TV! Let’s go make soup,” a small but hopeful sign of how far he’s come.

Therapy & Support

• Diagnosis: Cerebral palsy affecting all four limbs

• Focus: Strengthening muscle tone, sitting balance, and visual tracking (weak eye muscles limit his ability to look around freely)

• Goal: Improve trunk stability and head movement

• Needs: Ankle-Foot Orthosis ($200) and corner chair ($230) for trunk posture support

• Family: His father is seriously ill, and his older brothers are his primary caregivers

• Personality: Gentle, curious, and determined