22-Jan-2026Ted discovers the world with Xplore
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Some children approach life on their own terms. Who don't stick to any set patterns; instead, they reveal what true joy, curiosity, and passion for living are all about. Ted, who is thirteen, is one such child—determined in a positive way, with a need for speed, movement, and new experiences.
In this article you can read about:
- A boy full of energy with a big heart
- Challenges – and a strong will to overcome them
- From NF-Walker to Xplore
- Joy of movement and self-determination
- Parasport School – sport with room for everyone
- A smile in motion
A boy full of energy with a big heart
Ted is a happy, energetic boy who prefers things to be happening all the time. He loves speed, sound, and discovering something new.
“He doesn’t do anything on demand,” says his mum Ingela, with warmth in her voice. Ted wants to do things his own way, at his own pace. And that is precisely his strength.
His drive to develop and his curiosity about the world around him have always been strong. That’s what pushes him to stretch boundaries, try new things and challenge himself every single day.
Ted enjoys being active, feeling the wind on his face and being in environments where there’s lots going on. One of his favourite outings is to Skansen (open-air museum and zoo located in Stockholm, Sweden), where the seals are firm favorites.
“Hi Ted, how are you today?” the staff call out cheerfully when they see him – he has become a well-known visitor.
Music and theatre also appeal to him, as does water in all its forms. Swimming, playing and splashing are among his favourite activities. Once a week he also goes horse riding, which brings both joy and calm. At Parasport School, he gets the chance to try different sports such as table tennis, bowling, climbing and the mirror room. Parasport School has become a place where movement becomes play, and where everyone can take part based on their own abilities.
Challenges and a strong will to overcome them
Ted lives with several medical challenges. He has a rare chromosomal disorder, autism, a severe intellectual disability, epilepsy, lung problems, and has also undergone heart surgery. In the past, he also struggled with behavioural challenges and self-injurious behaviour. Today, however, the family sees a very different Ted.
“There’s been an enormous change,” they say. “He’s much calmer, more secure and happier. A big part of that has been that he’s allowed to do things on his own terms.”
With the help of his communication aid, Talkpad, Ted can make active choices in everyday life – and very often he chooses to go for a walk. For him, movement means freedom.
From NF-Walker to Xplore
Freedom of movement has always been central to Ted. As a young child, between the ages of three and seven, he used the NF-Walker gait trainer. It gave him the opportunity to take alternating steps and explore the world in an upright position.
Over time, however, it became increasingly difficult to get Ted to use the NF-Walker. He lost patience and instead began using a traditional walking frame, but often ended up sitting in it or moving forward with both feet together.
The family therefore started looking for an assistive device that could give Ted back the feeling of walking and exploring – but in a simpler and more independent way.
When Ted tried Xplore, it turned out to be exactly the change they had hoped for.
It was like seeing the spark light up again. Xplore was easy to get into, quick to manage and suited Ted perfectly. He doesn’t tolerate waiting – he wants to get out straight away!
“It was like seeing the spark light up again,” the family says. “Xplore was easy to get into, quick to manage and suited Ted perfectly. He doesn’t tolerate waiting – he wants to get out straight away!”
Xplore enables Ted to move independently. He can decide for himself where he wants to go, which is crucial for both motivation and independence. With support for alternating gait, he can walk further, more safely and more freely than before.
What makes Xplore unique?
Xplore is designed for children and young people with complex motor challenges. It is easy to adjust and provides close-to-the-body support for the upper body, contributing to stable and functional positioning for walking. With hands free, the user can actively take part in play, table-based activities and social interaction – and get closer to their surroundings.
Read more about Xplore here.
Joy of movement and self-determination
Ted has now been using his Xplore for just over a year. During that time, his world has grown – step by step. He mainly uses it at home in the courtyard, but also brings it along to Parasport School. There, he moves around, explores, and laughs out loud as the speed increases.
“It’s wonderful to see him so content and balanced,” says mum Ingela. “Ted is very clear about what he likes, and you can really see that Xplore is something that makes him happy.”
For Ted, Xplore isn’t just about getting from one place to another. It’s about freedom. About being able to choose for himself, explore on his own terms and feel that the world is open.
Parasport School – sport with room for everyone
Parasport School, which Ted attends, offers a unique opportunity for children and young people with multiple disabilities to try different sports within the same training session. Participants can take their daily form, abilities and interests as the starting point – always with a focus on joy and togetherness.
Parasport School is an Allmänna Arvsfonden–funded project that aims to lower the threshold to sport and create more pathways into movement and club-based activities. For Ted, it has become a place where he can be himself, develop, and release all his energy.
A smile in motion
When you see Ted in his Xplore, looking ahead with a smile spreading across his face, it’s easy to understand what movement means to him. Thanks to his curiosity, his drive, and assistive devices like Xplore, Ted continues to push his boundaries and explore the world – in his very own way.
Thank you to Ted and his family for sharing their story, which clearly shows that freedom of movement is about so much more than mobility. It’s about being able to choose your own path, feel pride, and discover the world on your own terms. We are happy and grateful to be part of that journey.
