Living Lionheart: #iPadsforLionhearts

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Why is Travis the Lionheart a special needs case?

Travis has a condition called Septo Optic Dysplasia, or de Morsier syndrome. He's missing a small membrane found in the midline of his brain called a septum pellucidum, and his optic nerves are much smaller than yours or mine.

He also has a tiny cleft in the left side of his temporal lobe. This secondary condition is called schizencephaly.

As a result of both of these, Travis is still learning to walk, may never speak, and has many autistic traits. He attends a special needs school called Wiggles & Squiggles.

It's a global phenomenon on the rise in Western cultures, often affecting first borns, most of them boys. There is no cure, but stem cell therapy is offering some families relief. So far, studies haven't uncovered what causes it or why it happens. It may or may not be genetic. It's a medical mystery.

Translation Station

Big Guy Upstairs: the omnipresent deity that watches over the Lionheart family, and occasionally has a Laugh on us. Known for His wry sense of Humour.

Dolphin: the language spoken by Travis the Lionheart, who is non-verbal. It consists of clicks, squeaks, shrieks and humming sounds.

Husband, the: sits at the head of the Lionheart dinner table. The strong, silent (grumpy) type.

Living Lionheart: a cheerful, courageous outlook adopted by families who share their lives with someone with special needs.

Midnight Bum Slider: Travis the Lionheart's secret identity after the clock strikes twelve.

Ruggle: a regular kid; a child who is not classed as having special needs. From the word 'muggle' or 'non-magical folk' in the Harry Potter series.

Ryan the Squishy Gorilla: Ryan is the Lionheart's little brother, and we're 99% sure he's a ruggle. Also known as the Mighty Squish.

Travis the Lionheart: Travis is our first-born. He's a five-year-old boy with special needs.

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