Aoife
Enabling Aoife to sit securely to participate in family mealtimes with her Everyday Activity Seat
Aoife (pronounced Eefah) is a six year old girl with Angelman Syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by learning disability, jerky movements and a happy, sociable personality. Aoife is an engaging, happy child with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes! She loves social interaction, although she can become over-stimulated easily. At such times she shows this through sensory behaviours such as giggling, hand clapping and rocking.
Clinical Background
Goals for Sitting
• Provide a secure, stable seat for safety during rocking movements
• Provide a high-lo option for family mealtimes
Approach
Aoife was assessed in the Everyday Seat (size 2) and it was adjusted to her individual body dimensions accordingly. The four-point pelvic harness was used to provide the desired pelvic stability. She does not require any further trunk supports, although she has a tray for table top activities.
Outcome
Aoife is secure and safe in her seating system when she is rocking and over-excited (as the photograph shows). However her movement is not inhibited because the pelvic harness provides the necessary stability, while the whole chair remains stable while she is moving. Best of all, the high-lo base means that not only can she join her family at the table at mealtimes, but at its lowest position, she is able to assist with her own transfers in and out.
Overall, the Everyday Seat enables Aoife to be safer, more independent, and interact with family life.
