Hi
Not sure if anyone else has any experience with this but we are getting rather worried about DS2.
He is still not walking and has been seen by a consultant paediatrician who did a blood test to rule out muscular dystrophy and then referred us on to a physio.
The physio confirmed that he does have joint hypermobility, as well as low tone in his lower limbs...and has suggested we continue to try to encourage him to walk and strengthen his leg muscles by walking up stairs, encouraging to walk with his trolley etc.
He can stand up when holding on to something, and can walk with a trolley or holding my hand, but falls over when he doesn't have support. He has never even tried to take a step by himself, it's as though he isn't aware that this is even an option. Have tried to encourage him to walk between us, or have tried letting go of his hand, but to no avail, he just collapses.
The exercises basically aren't really making much difference. And the physio has now referred us back to the paeditrician for some neurological tests.
The other thing I am worried about is that he is still not talking much either, just the odd word. Otherwise, he is happy, affectionate, good eye contact.
I'm wondering
- does anyone have any experience of hypermobility causing such a delayed start to walking? are there any other exercises I could be trying? He gets very tired quickly (due to the hypermobility) so I can't ever sustain the exercising for very long, just try to do it in short bursts throughout the day.
- any idea what the neurological tests could be for?
- are there any other avenues I could be looking at, perhaps it is not the hypermobility causing the problem, if so what else could it be?
My older child didn't start walking until 17 months, and I was a very late walker...so I didn't worry too much up until he was about 17 months, but I am obviously getting much more concerned as time goes on.
Thanks VERY much in advance of any replies. Sorry for such a long post.
xxxxx