Sure Steps

Alayna started cruising at 13 months, could get into standing without holding onto anything at 19 months, and took her first baby steps at 20 months. Over the summer she has continued to take 5-8 steps at a time but, we haven't progressed much further than that.

She has a mild pronation (her ankles turn inward and her arch collapses) causing her to use more energy each time she gets up into standing and tries to walk than a child who does not pronate. She isn't able to build up her endurance for walking because she is using up all her energy to maintain her balance.

Her PT and we were hoping that the pronation would correct itself with her spending more time up on her feet but, giving it the summer to test that out it really hasn't so we have moved on to needing & wanting orthotics to give her a little extra support.

Today, Alayna was measured (yeah NO casting) for Sure Steps a small orthotic (created especially for children with down syndrome) that will go around her foot, inside her shoe that will help keep her ankles aligned. These Sure Steps will allow her to gain stability while allowing normal movement and function.

Sorry, I didn't get any pictures of her getting measured. She looked like such a big girl sitting in a cube chair on top of the exam table.

She has an appointment on November 16th to pick them up! We will let you know how she progresses.