Walking chance: Archer Johnson (4) with his parents Kyle and Lisa.
Camera IconWalking chance: Archer Johnson (4) with his parents Kyle and Lisa. Credit: Supplied/Marcus Whisson

US therapy for Archer

Karen Valenti, Eastern ReporterEastern Reporter

The four-year-old, who was born at 35 weeks, has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy diplegia, cortical visual impairment, global development delay and a seizure disorder.

‘He had a very rough start to his life with uncontrollable seizures and apnoeas (stopping breathing),’ Archer’s dad Kyle Johnson said.

‘We are also trying to get him to NAPA (Neurological and Physical Abilitation centre) in the USA in April for therapy to help get him to be more independent and hopefully one day walk on his own.

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‘There have been some great results with other families.

‘The family needs at least $10,000, which will include $7000 of intensive therapy.’

Archer’s twin brother Ryder and older brother Cooper, along with both their parents will travel to the US.

‘Upon more investigation into the therapy and discussion we found out it would be better to have both parents there to understand the treatment and learn the tools to take home and continue what we have learnt there,’ Mr Johnson said.

‘Archer also has a special bond with his brothers and in order to have him committed to the sessions in therapy which can be four hours long per day we want to keep a sense of normality in his life and not have him fretting or being upset about missing his brothers.’

‘We don’t want to miss this great opportunity for Archer and get all the way to the US for him not to participate and get the most out of this and potentially help him walk independently. Routine is a must in Archer’s life and without this strict routine he doesn’t cope well.’