Sometimes, a little extra support can make a big difference. At just four years old, Charlotte is finding new ways to explore the world around her and take part in the everyday moments that make childhood special.
Like many children her age, Charlotte loves getting creative with arts and crafts, playing with her favourite toys and spending time with her grandparents and cousin.
She also lives with a progressive neuromuscular condition that causes significant muscle weakness throughout her body. This makes standing without substantial support difficult and can limit how she takes part in certain activities.
Her physiotherapy goal is simple but meaningful: to access the world around her and enjoy everyday experiences as fully as possible and recently, her family had a special milestone to celebrate.
A new stander, new possibilities
Charlotte recently received her Jenx Standz Stander, a piece of assistive technology designed to support her in a standing position.
Since then, it’s opened up new opportunities for play and family time.
With the help of her stander, Charlotte can now stand comfortably for up to two hours, giving her more opportunities to enjoy activities she loves.
Whether she’s busy creating something at the craft table, playing with her figurines and Barbies, or spending time outdoors with family, the stander helps her participate in ways that weren’t as accessible before.
Her mum describes it as a “wonderful milestone for our family”.
She’s also noticed Charlotte becoming more motivated to practise supported standing and put weight through her legs in different positions, including while sitting on someone’s lap.
Seeing these changes has made this milestone even more special for the whole family.
Looking beyond the physical milestones
When it comes to physiotherapy, progress isn’t always about taking more steps, improving strength or reaching a particular physical milestone, sometimes, it’s about finding a way for a child to join in.
Being able to stand with support is just one part of Charlotte’s journey. What matters most is how it helps her engage with her surroundings and take part in activities that bring her joy.
It’s also a lovely reminder of why individualised paediatric physiotherapy is so important.
At Better Rehab, we understand that every child has their own interests, abilities and goals. Taking the time to learn what matters to them and their family helps guide therapy towards outcomes that are meaningful in everyday life.
Charlotte’s experience is a wonderful example of how the right equipment and support can help make those goals more accessible. If you’re wondering how families access equipment like this, our guide to NDIS-funded assistive technology explains the steps.
Celebrating the moments that matter
Receiving her stander has meant more than reaching a physical milestone. It’s brought new opportunities for play, family connection and participation in daily life and that’s what makes this story worth sharing.
As her physiotherapy journey continues, we’re excited to celebrate this progress alongside Charlotte and her family, because sometimes, the biggest difference isn’t in how long a child can stand, but in what they get to experience while they’re standing.
Here’s to more craft projects, playtime with Barbies and happy moments with family, Charlotte!
If you’d like to learn more about how our physiotherapists work alongside occupational therapists, support workers and families, visit our physiotherapy page. And if you have a participant who could benefit from a physiotherapy review, submit a referral here.