Audrey has AADC, a rare genetic condition that causes a shortage of neurotransmitters needed for motor control. For the first six years of her life she could barely move at all. In July 2018, she received a gene therapy treatment which seemed to wake her body up. With the aid of assistive equipment, she could begin to move her body through space. It was like a miracle. However, her movements were still spastic and lacked balance—this condition is called "ataxia" and is a sign that motor control is not fully neurologically stable.

During her two week Adapted Spiral Praxis intensive in San Francisco, our goal was to teach her to gain control of her body through natural somatic exploration and play. By the end of the two weeks, she had learned how to roll independently, balance in four point position, scoot along the floor with assistance, and rise from laying down to sitting. These were all huge milestones. With the new milestones Audrey has reached, we're all hoping it will lead to more self-initiated explorations which are really at the heart of learning. I am planning to re-visit Audrey in the next 6 months—stay tuned for future updates of her progress!