𝗦𝗲𝗯𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗻

I had such a lovely time meeting Sebastian and his family. He is such a kind boy, and put me at ease straight away as I can sometimes be a little nervous meeting new people. I am so pleased with the pictures from my time with Sebastian, the first image actually ended up being published by Vogue Italia. Throughout my time hanging out with Sebastian, he made me laugh so much my face hurt, we definitely share the same sense of humour! Sebastian, aged 10, lives with his mummy and daddy and little sister Darcey, and his little dog Nala!

‘Sebastian is your typical 10 year old boy - he loves gaming and being on his iPad. He also loves anything Harry Potter! Sebastian was born 9 weeks premature and has mild cerebral palsy. We first noticed something was wrong aged 9 months, when he was unable to sit up. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at about 18 months old. He didn’t meet the usual milestones and was unable to walk. He had various equipment growing up, such as sitting frames, standing frames, a walker and splints. At age 4 we tried Botox injections and serial casting (like when you’ve broken your leg, only these get changed every week, and stretch your legs in place a little more each time). When Sebastian turned 4, we found out about SDR (selective dorsal rhizotomy). We travelled to St Louis (America) for five weeks where Sebastian underwent spinal surgery and had his heel cords lengthened. It was after this point that Sebastian took his first proper unaided steps! Along with his sister (who at the time, aged 19 months still wasn’t walking up until now). SDR changed Sebastian’s and our lives. He was now able to walk but needed supportive splints, night splints, gators and a wheelchair for distances. We thought that everything would be fine here on in and then he started school! Again, Sebastian didn’t meet the milestones and struggled to adapt to being in a school environment. There would be incidents most days and I would get called in. I was told he was just naughty. He was even excluded from school for a week. This was the hardest time we’ve ever been through as a family. After two years of being at the school we got no help and nothing changed. When things came to a head and I thought I might actually have a breakdown, we decided to look at alternative settings. We found a place for Sebastian at a new school (mainstream still) and it was the best move we’ve ever made. Sebastian has literally thrived. He got the exact help he needed and was diagnosed with Autism. It was an absolute relief. We always knew there was something and Sebastian always felt he was different. Having the diagnosis has been such a relief and it’s made a huge difference to Sebastian. Sebastian today loves school and is thriving. Yes he might be a little quirky, he has certain ways about him that can be frustrating, but he’s the kindest, sweetest most loving little man; he is incredibly articulate, outgoing and inquisitive and we think he’s just perfect.’ - Selina, Sebastian’s mum.