Ariel Ary was born on December 6, 1991, by Cesarean section in San Jose, Costa Rica. He was born two weeks late, with some meconium staining in the amniotic fluid as well as the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck. He was diagnosed with Trisomy 21; in addition he had kidney problems and a hypotonic heart with a double chamber in the right ventricle.
During the first month of life, Ariel was very quiet and had difficulty sucking. When he was fifteen days old, Mother started to stimulate him in every way possible and as often as possible. In April 1992, Ariel had surgery in Boston Children’s Hospital to repair his congenital heart problems. In August 1992, he had additional surgery to correct a problem with his ureter.
Ariel’s parents took the What To Do About Your Brain-Injured Child Course in June 1993. At this time his parents evaluated his neurological age at 14 months, while his chronological age was 19 months. He was diagnosed with a moderate, diffuse, bilateral midbrain injury. The Ary family then began a home program based on the information learned at the course, and they turned in their home program consultation in August of that year.
When they came to The Institutes for their Initial Aspirant Appointment in December 1993, Ariel was 24 months old but had a neurological age of 28 months. During six months of the home program his neurological age had increased fourteen months. He received a reading victory and was able to easily identify many single words and couplets. The Ary family began an intensive program designed by the staff of The Institutes.
For four years, Ariel and his parents came to The Institutes twice a year for a week of evaluation, lectures, and a neurological program. Ariel progressed very well. Through a great deal of hard work and effort he achieved a neurological age of 69.2 months.
In reading and writing, Ariel is above age level. He reads commercial print independently and writes spontaneously. His general knowledge and interests are above his age level as well. Physically, Ariel is able to run 3 miles and do sophisticated gymnastic routines. Socially, he is a kind and gracious young boy who is polite and caring of others.
In a national gymnastics competition in 1997, he won second place. As a triathlete he runs 4.8 kilometers in 47 minutes, swims 500 meters in one hour and bikes 14 kilometers in 30 to 35 minutes. He was invited to join a national triathlon team as its youngest member.
Ariel became a graduate to life in October 1997. He continued with a home program until January 1998, when he entered school with his peers. In a class of twenty he succeeded in all areas, learning Hebrew, Spanish, and English. He reads at the fourth- to fifth-grade level, and since he is able to read better than his classmates, his Spanish teacher asks him to read instructions for the other students.
He is independent in every way, follows directions well, and cooperates with his schoolmates superbly. One teacher commented, "I wish that all the children behaved as he does. Ariel leaves me with my mouth open," adding that he always addresses everyone with the proper greeting at the correct time.
We congratulate Ariel and his parents on their immense effort that has yielded great rewards. The staff is certain that this young man will continue to succeed in life.
