PICTURES: Taking life just a step at a time as five-year-old Aaron Nisbet from Inverness learns to walk with the help of a walking frame – he was born with a rare genetic disorder, Temple-Baraitser Syndrome, which means that he might never be able to walk unaided, or talk, and cannot swallow
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
It was a major step forward for one Inverness youngster when he took his first walk under his own steam.
Aaron Nisbet, who is five years old and lives in Wimberley Way, was born with a rare genetic disorder – Temple-Baraitser Syndrome – which means that he might never be able to walk unaided, or talk, and cannot swallow.
Last month he managed his first steps with the help of a special frame on wheels in his back garden.
Mum Jemma Nisbet (33) was so proud to see his progress and said: “We got the frame just before the first lockdown, so we’ve had it just over a year and a bit.
“He just looked at me as if I was stupid every time I put him in it until recently. We always try to do activities in it – we stand him up in it and we always encourage him.
“We’ve been working with a physio and doing little exercises. Every time previously we’ve put him in it he just stands there and won’t do anything.”
She said the nice weather was a bonus and moving to
a new house with a fully
accessible garden had
helped her son. She said:
“We were just standing at the top of the ramp and I could see him trying to move his feet.
“I thought he’s really enjoying himself. He stood for ages and ages and then he just did it.
“I can’t even explain it, but there was relief that he had eventually done it and I was ecstatic. I wanted to shout from the rooftops.”
Mrs Nisbet said he was making good progress, adding: “He’s doing amazing just now.”
It is thought that there are only around 20 people in the world living with the genetic disorder, which limits physical and mental development.
The first signs that he was a sufferer came in the fact that he was born without either thumbnails or nails in his big toes, a common trait.
His body is also “floppy” as he cannot tense his
muscles properly and his long-term prognosis is uncertain.
While the oldest known person living with the syndrome is 22, Mrs Nisbet has heard of two children with Temple-Baraitser who were under the age of 10 when they died.
The family moved from Fife to Inverness following Aaron’s diagnosis.
Related article: Cauldeen Nursery in Inverness to benefit from fundraising
