This is my little guy’s second year of attending the school district’s preschool program. I’ve been amazed at his progress. He’s extremely independent. He puts away his own backpack like all the other kids. He uses his “writing bird” when it is time to write. His drawings are phenomenal and just yesterday we discovered he could get his OWN water out of the water fountain. I’m trying really hard to ignore all the icky germs that he was exposed to because OH DEAR LORD HE DID IT HIMSELF!!!!
I remember when he was first born being so upset because I was afraid he would not get to experience what other kids normally do. So this blog really is for those parents who are new to Arthrogryposis (or any other special needs). I know some of you are struggling because your child may not walk yet or may not be able to crawl; and some of you may be pregnant carrying a child with special needs. 
Please do not be discouraged. I know I was when my son was born. I assumed he would not be able to do some of the many things we all take for granted. Well here I am five years later and I was so very wrong. Not only is he doing the aforementioned, he can also walk up steps that measure 9” high, he even hides under the bed when he thinks he is in trouble. For those of you who do not really know my son, both his uppers (arms) and lowers (legs) are affected.
Please do not be discouraged. I know I was when my son was born. I assumed he would not be able to do some of the many things we all take for granted. Well here I am five years later and I was so very wrong. Not only is he doing the aforementioned, he can also walk up steps that measure 9” high, he even hides under the bed when he thinks he is in trouble. For those of you who do not really know my son, both his uppers (arms) and lowers (legs) are affected.
Give them the independence to learn on their own, to figure things out and you will be awed. It is easy to do for our children, because to our thinking they cannot. But here is what I have learned: THEY CAN. We as parents just need to be strong enough to allow them to learn on their own and to watch them as they struggle to adapt. If you allow them their independence, you will be amazed at what your extra special child will teach you, and you will see for yourself that there are no limits to what can be accomplished.
