Meet Benji, from Te Kauwhata
At one year old, Benji has very little controlled movement, and is not expected to have much walking ability, but he easily understands and can follow instructions and he's interested in the world around him.
We had great fun playing 'peep-bo' with him when his nan took him aside for a rest!
We're hoping his car will give him an early incentive to meet some of his team's goals for him – being able to keep his head up, develop better appreciation of concepts like fast and slow, left and right, and better use of his hands and arms.
Once he can start controlling his car, he'll not only be having fun, he'll develop more independence, and better social skills. Go, Benji!
Settling in
We ask therapists to come along, as they know each child far better than we do, and with the parents best know what's needed to make a child comfy and safe
Is he too young?
With very little control of his own head and limbs yet, we debated asking Benji to come back next year. But on balance decided the earlier he has car, the earlier he has an incentive to make things happen...
Where to next
We took the car away to make more modifications for Benji. That black item on the bonnet is the buddy switch – mum can operate the throttle, and later a jellybean switch can be attached anywhere on the car that's easy for Benji to use
Meet Benji, from Te Kauwhata
At one year old, Benji has very little controlled movement, and is not expected to have much walking ability, but he easily understands and can follow instructions