Dear All,

My name is Marta, I'm from Poland. My niece, who is now 9 months was diagnosed when she was 5 months. My sister has contacted the parents from Poland and one of them advised the Vojta method (it suppose to treat various physical and mental disorders through the stimulation of the human sensimotoric system's reflex points). Here in Poland we do not have specialists who could advise on rehabilitation of Canavan child. Generally speaking the approch is "do not torment the child" - the exercises are really incomfortable, she is crying during all the session (4 times a day for 15 minutes) - that's why I'm trying to find any information (confirmation) about the recomended rehabilitation techniques for Canavan.

Could you please share your experience in rehabilitation of Canavan children?

Warm regards,

Marta

well i think its a little hard to explain but i'll try.  Lillianas therapies rub her muscules and stretches her arms. legs and hands. i think it has a lot to do with stimulation.  for the hands stretch hand with palms up.  legs either with her sitting on the floor in front of you or lay her down in front of you sissoring her legs holding one up and one down then hold in these positions a minute and switch. or even shoulder rubs.  its kind of like the way we would stretch before working out except more gentle. we are also looking into water excercises. she might like being moved around in the (warm)water since its easier to move in the water.