Audrey, mother of a young child with cerebral palsy, shares their story of finding the right support with ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs)
As a parent, one of the most important things I can do for Chandler is to ensure he has the right support to move through life as independently and comfortably as possible. Since he was little, mobility aids have been a big part of his journey, especially his ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs).
But finding the right AFOs wasn’t always easy. It took years of trial and error, frustration, and prayers before we finally found a solution that worked for him.
The Early Struggles: When AFOs Weren’t Helping
Chandler has worn AFOs for most of his life, but for a long time, they weren’t giving him the support he truly needed. Some were too stiff, causing discomfort. Others didn’t fit well, making walking more difficult rather than easier. And because they are very expensive and options were limited, it felt like we had no choice but to accept whatever was available.
By 2021, Chandler was getting more frustrated. The AFOs he had were supposed to improve his mobility, but instead, they were restricting his movement and he didn't want to wear them. I could see how much it was affecting him, and as a mother, it broke my heart. I knew there had to be something better out there.
A Prayer Answered: Discovering Orthokids and Klint Kids
We prayed for a better solution and someone recommended Orthokids, a clinic specialising in custom orthotics and they recommended Klint Kids (Claire Edwards). We decided to book an appointment, hoping they could offer something that truly worked for Chandler.
We met with Claire first to discuss the challenges and then we met with her and Stephanie Clegg at Orthokids. They took the time to listen to Chandler’s needs, assess his movements, and discuss what wasn’t working with his previous AFOs. Instead of giving him a standard design, they made tuned custom-molded AFOs that fit his feet perfectly and provided the right level of support (with a wedge).
The Difference the Right AFOs Made
It took a while to get used to, but Chandler was happy. They fit him comfortably, gave the right support, allowed him to move and didn’t cause pain. Since then, we’ve made annual visits to Orthokids to have his AFOs adjusted or replaced as his needs change.
These AFOs have made such a difference in Chandler’s life. With the right support, he can walk more comfortably, stand for longer periods, and move with greater posture in his daily activities. They have also helped with his confidence—when he feels stable and supported, he feels more in control of his movements and his independence.
Advice for Parents Looking for the Right Mobility Aids
If your child is struggling with their AFOs or any other mobility aid, here are some things I’ve learned through this journey:
- Don’t Settle – If the AFOs aren’t working, don’t be afraid to look for other options. There are better solutions out there.
- Find Specialists Who Listen – The right orthotist will take the time to understand your child’s needs instead of offering a one-size-fits-all solution.
- Customization Makes a Big Difference – Custom-made AFOs can completely change the way a child moves and feels.
- Reassess Regularly – As children grow and their needs change, their mobility aids should be adjusted to keep up.
Finding the right AFOs changed Chandler’s mobility and confidence, and I hope sharing our experience helps other parents who are going through similar struggles. If you’re searching for the right solution, don’t lose hope—the right support is out there!
You can follow more of Audrey’s and Chandler’s CP journey by visiting their Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/mommyisstilllearning