Report by: Mrs. S.T., mother of a child with Down syndrome, Nagoya, Japan       

October 2000

My son was born with Down syndrome, weighing 2,740 grams (6.04 lbs).  It was discovered that he had a hole in his heart (ASD), and he underwent surgery at 8 months old.

October 2004

He began using the Patakara exercise device.  For the first two weeks, he had difficulty using it correctly.  After one month, he was able to use the device properly and perform the exercises independently.

February 2005

With my assistance, his abilities expanded.  He began accomplishing tasks that were previously challenging for him. He showed improved listening comprehension and could follow instructions more effectively.

May 2005

He started occasionally sleeping on his back instead of his side.  He also began drawing in more detail, such as sketching human faces, when given the opportunity.

July 2005

He started recognizing Japanese Hiragana characters.  He became able to pedal his bicycle up steep slopes and navigate through narrow obstacles smoothly.

August 2005

He demonstrated the ability to keep rhythm while playing drums.

October 2005

He showed initial progress in mathematics, a previously difficult subject for him.  He could recognize numerals 1 through 10 and began reading books.

January 2006

He significantly increased the amount of time spent sleeping on his back.

April 2006

He developed greater finger dexterity, enabling him to perform detailed manual tasks. He began writing Hiragana characters and his own name.  He also started grasping basic mathematical concepts that were once challenging.

He was accepted into a regular primary school in Nagoya, Japan, where he is currently studying.