Tom has low muscle tone and sensory integration problems. When we first came to the Advance Centre in 2010 he was 6 years old, struggling greatly at school and very unhappy. He was unable to screen out unnecessary sensory input making him distracted, forgetful, slow to react and respond. All aspects of school life were a great challenge to him, from joining the other kids in playground football, to dressing for PE, cutting his food at lunch, holding a pencil and using scissors. He struggled to keep up with his class mates and became excluded.
After a year of the Scotson therapy Tom’s body changed considerably – his ribcage and back became more developed as his diaphragm and lungs strengthened – something that 4 years of physiotherapy had never managed to achieve. He no longer experienced the acute sensitivity which vastly improved his everyday life. I was even able to cut his toenails without screams and tears. Three years on and he has been able to return to school. He is so different really confident and happy. His memory and concentration have improved and he finds it much easier to make friends and enjoy his school life. TST helped his balance and coordination to improve which has really helped his participation in PE. To his delight he won the egg and spoon race at the school sports day this year. His fine motor skills and grip which were previously weak are also impressively improved and he is now able to use joined-up writing, something we didn’t think would ever be possible.
These changes have given him greater sense of self worth and have had a very positive effect on his social life.