RHYS from European Union

Rhys was born prematurely in April 2018 and after spending two months in the hospital, he lived with his family of origin until October 2018. He has since been in state care. Rhys has been diagnosed with infantile cerebral palsy (spastic quadriparesis), craniosynostosis, symptomatic epilepsy, and severe developmental delays. He functions at the level of a newborn and is fed through a nasogastric tube and by spoon. Rhys is largely immobile without stable head control or the ability to roll over. He does not sit, and his hands are often clenched into fists hindering the possibility of fine motor activities. Rhys is described as an emotionally restless, anxious, and insecure child who often cries painfully. He shows little response to touch or speech but reacts to noises and movement in his environment. He does not seek interactions and rarely smiles. A family considering Rhys must be prepared to meet his lifelong, complex medical and developmental needs.