Zyan is a 7-year-old boy and a real ray of sunshine who loves exploring his hometown in his walking aid Xplore. His favorite thing is visiting the neighbor's geese and chickens
- During a 3D ultrasound in the seventh month, it was discovered that Zyan had various malformations, which made us have to be prepared for the worst. The doctors even advised me to terminate the pregnancy," Zyan's mother, Gezal, tells us during our interview. "It's probably a genetic defect, but to this day, the doctors can't say for sure what it is.
- The family's interaction and acceptance were the most important from the beginning. We were prepared for the worst and we welcomed him with open arms," Gezal continues, "and in the end, it didn't turn out as bad as predicted. Sure, it was tough in the beginning. But day by day, we have grown into the task. We love him as he is. He is our sunshine and a true joy spreader. We also know that he will need help throughout his life. That's why it's important for the family that Zyan is always at the center of events and that we can be mobile with him.
The longing for mobility was great from the beginning
Especially the longing for mobility was significant from the beginning, which did a lot to improve Zyan's mobility. Gezal tells us that she has done a lot of research on the internet and continues to do so to gather information about the possibilities and support available for children with disabilities. That's why Zyan also received intensive Petö therapy when he was three years old, a therapy he completed two years ago, and currently, Zyan receives neuroactive reflex therapy. In addition, he had access to many different aids.
Zyan's first walking aid was the NF-Walker. Gezal came across the NF-Walker when she did her own research on the internet. However, at the socio-pediatric centers (SPZ), she was informed that the NF-Walker has been designed as a walking aid for children with spastic disabilities and that Zyan does not fit the mold. Despite this, she did not give up and applied for the walking aid at the assistive devices center and was granted it.
Zyan received his NF-Walker in early 2018. "We had to practice a lot with Zyan", remembers Gezal. 'We had to show him and work with him over and over again - even the neighbors and their children practiced with Zyan. At first, he just stood in his NF-Walker without moving. After a while and a week's break - we were on vacation - it was like everything fell into place. Gezal put him in the NF-Walker in the afternoon and that's when Zyan walked in it for the first time.
After that, it was pure child's play to transition to Xplore. Zyan already knew the movements and started walking with Xplore immediately when he received it in November 2020.
XPLORE
Xplore is a walking aid for children with complex movement disorders who are unable to support their own body weight. Thanks to Xplore, they can stand without assistance and walk longer distances. It makes them more mobile and more involved.
Switching from one walking aid to another was quite easy
- I was curious about how he would accept the new walking trainer, especially considering it was a new device on the market. But I put him in it, and he started walking right away, recalls Gezal. - By the way, we were recommended it by our product specialist at Made for Movement.
In Xplore, Zyan sits on a saddle reminiscent of a bicycle saddle, allowing him to be more active and use the aid for longer periods. When he gets tired, he just throws himself down. And that's completely okay with his mom.
How long does Zyan use the walking aid Xplore?
Zyan practices in Xplore every day for about an hour. Sometimes it can be more than that, depending on what we're doing. He mostly enjoys using Xplore outdoors. He takes his round in the neighborhood with Xplore, visits the neighbor's animals, and meets the neighboring children to play with them.
If he gets too tired, he shows it with gestures and facial expressions, and then his mom takes him out of the aid.
Zyan's sister, Dilan (5 years old), likes to play with him and Xplore. She stands behind Xplore, and they take a round in the house: the children pretend they're on a bus. - "That's how they create their own world," laughs Gezal.
Stronger muscles and enhanced movement
Since Zyan already used the NF-Walker before he got Xplore, he needed less support now, which allowed for the introduction of a walking aid without guidance control. The combination of targeted mobility and good correction is intended to help Zyan feel his legs better, to be able to use them in a more targeted way.
His mother tells us with joy in her voice that regular training has had a very positive effect and that Zyan has become much stronger in his legs. Now he can stretch his legs better, and his ataxia has also improved. Movements that were barely possible for Zyan before, he can now almost do by himself, such as getting up on the sofa or his bed. You can clearly see that he has gained more muscle mass in his legs, allowing him to move himself. This means that Zyan, who otherwise could only move around on the floor by crawling or rolling, now comes up to eye level with children his age. - For Zyan, this is a crazy feeling of freedom and happiness at the same time, says his mother happily.
"Furthermore, Xplore stimulates circulation, and a lot happens in his head too," says Gezal enthusiastically. "As soon as he gets into an upright position, you can see immediately that he changes and becomes a completely different boy. In the upright position, I see that he can clearly orient himself and also indicate which direction he wants to go. His attention improves, and if things don't go as he wants, he switches to walking backwards. That's how his strong will can express itself."
The family's expectations have also been met
Today, the family takes him everywhere, so they primarily use a wheelchair. On outings and vacations, he is always with them for as long as possible. The new aids make it even easier.
In January 2021, Zyan got another sibling. - "The little sister is good for him," says Zyan's mother happily. The two sisters provide structure and normalcy to the family, but also to Zyan's life. Typically, parents who have a child with a disability focus on that child and tend to be overprotective. But when there are siblings involved, they bring you back to reality, to a normal life. It's good for the whole family and especially for Zyan.
In addition to training with the aids, Zyan attends physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy once a week. All of this takes place at school.
Zyan attends a special school, and in his class, there are seven other children. All children have different needs. - "For Zyan, it means that he goes to school with children who also have a disability. I think the best thing about school for Zyan is that he can be with children who aren't superior to him in everything and who can meet him at eye level," says Gezal.
At school, the NF-Walker still serves as a backup solution. But mainly, Zyan uses Xplore. With this walking aid, he is much more active and mobile. Xplore is perfect for outdoor use and for exploring the world.
Simple and quick handling of Xplore
- "Time is no excuse," assures Gezal. Xplore is easy to handle. Usually, Zyan already has orthoses and shoes on, and then I can just lift him and place him in the device. Fasten the straps, and he can start walking." Gezal has little understanding for parents who say they don't have time for this device. She always explains to the parents how easy it is and that they have to put on and take off shoes for other children as well. She compares it to using Xplore. Especially if children with disabilities want and can walk, parents should encourage this. Moreover, parents become faster with practice. Daily training makes it routine and eventually something normal.
What are your hopes and dreams for your child's future?
- I would like Zyan to become as independent as possible when it comes to his basic needs. For me, this means that he can operate his aids, use the toilet without assistance, and hopefully, eventually be able to eat on his own. If he becomes more independent in these three areas, it would be the best thing that could happen for him - and for me.
Patience and continuity are important, according to Gezal. Gezal sees that Zyan is constantly developing. There have never been any steps backward, even though sometimes a long time passes without any progress, but then Zyan makes progress again. Therefore, she wants to encourage parents of children with disabilities, instill courage in them, and advise them to never give up - because someday the work will pay off.
Mobility and participation with the walking aid Xplore!
In this video, we demonstrate the functionality of Xplore, its intended users, and how to use it effectively.
