Everybody wants to know what's going on in Neil's brain. At the beginning all we had was what could be seen on his CT scans--obvious extensive damage, but no way to know just how he would be affected. As Neil started waking up, moving, and reacting, more could be deduced about the extent of the injury. Since then, he has worked very hard to regain use of his body, and he has spent much time trying to relearn speech and language skills. We've been amazed as we've witnessed the wheels in his head spin as he tries to retrieve facts from his past 18 years of learning. He's reached a point in his rehabilitation, and his attention span is such, that he is ready to give us some more clues. Testing in earnest has begun!Neil has lately been sitting for hours at a time being evaluated by psychologists, speech therapists, a learning consultant, and a social worker--representatives from both Kessler and the school district. And there are more tests to come. Just the ability for him to stay on task for those long periods is progress in deed. At the end of all this, efforts will be coordinated by both institutions and us to find the best path for Neil's future goals: college, a career, a social life, a family.
We all want to know what's going to happen this Fall. Most assumptions are that he'll be at the high school getting some remedial courses to help get him as close as possible to where he was academically. He wants very much to attend the local community college to get ready to eventually transfer to BYU-Idaho, the school where he was originally accepted. I want to see him in Kessler's CRP (Cognitive Rehabilitation Program). In addition to these possibilities, Neil is still needing his speech, occupational, and physical therapies. How will we coordinate all these plans and resources? Stay tuned to find out!
4 comments:
I know that you get offers all the time for help, so this is probably one to add to your list. I am sure you remember me, Allison Caulfield, Tim Caulfields Mom. I would be happy to do some driving for you, and in fact know the route to Kessler and the rehab center in Chester too. A close friends son, Conner Brannigan (also a BRHS student) had an accident and was treated by these facilities. I did the driving. They were wonderful.
My cell is 908-938-1766 and I am very flexible
Allison
Hi, Lori! I'm one of Brandon's friends from La Crescenta. Soooo glad to hear that Neil's doing so well. While on vacation this summer, I read "The Survivors Club" and totally thought of you guys - the author, Ben Sherwood, crisscrossed the country to talk with people who have survived near-death, traumatic experiences and yet went on to survive and thrive. With this, Sherwood tries to construct what it takes to be a survivor. Anyways, it's an amazing book, so filled with hope, and I thought it might be up your alley for some inspiration. I hope you're well!
Looks like you get to play games, like we do at family reunions, and call it therapy. Good times. Wish I could be there to play too...
Can't wait to hear how therapies and recovery continue to work out!
It's been incrediable to read about Neil's progress and there has been great progress in deed. As always, your family is in my prayers and I look forward to hearing about Neil's future path to college, career, a social life and family! All the best and many more blessings!
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