Learn how Andrew benefits from both physical and occupational therapies at The Shea Center.

Andrew became a Shea Center client two years ago. He attends sessions twice a week, once for physical therapy utilizing hippotherapy with therapist Matt Mitchell and once for occupational therapy with therapist Jennifer Lee, also incorporating hippotherapy.

Andrew, now six, seemed healthy as an infant until the age of four months when his mother noticed a foot tic. Then, he started having an occasional seizure and was subsequently diagnosed with KCNT1 epilepsy, an extremely rare infant-onset seizure disorder. Andrew got to the point of having up to 80 seizures per day. Andrew’s genetic disorder is resistant to medications, so he started on the ketogenic diet for epilepsy, which reduced his seizures.

Andrew is non-verbal, faces physical challenges, and has some autistic features, such as poor eye contact. However, when riding, the horse’s movement helps intensify his focus. Andrew has been building his core strength, trunk control, and neck strength by doing stop-and-go and half-halting exercises on the horse. The riding position on the horse also helps his hip dysplasia by positioning his hip properly into the socket.

Andrew also undergoes physical therapy in Shea’s inclusive fitness center. Therapist, Matt, says, “Andrew has made amazing progress with PT. His weight bearing tolerance and endurance has improved, and he now needs less assistance to stand for longer periods of time.” He now stands independently for up to three minutes. Matt cues his muscles by gently poking them, fostering muscle memory and control. Andrew is also learning to support himself by putting his hand down.

Andrew’s parents are thrilled with his progress. A significant moment occurred when the family’s recent Christmas card featured Andrew standing rather than needing to be seated.