There are nonetheless many unknowns about what the restoration course of will entail for Cooper Roberts, the 8-year-old boy paralyzed after being shot by a gunman who opened hearth on Fourth of July parade-goers in Highland Park, however his household mentioned they acquired some “unlucky information” early on.

Cooper is displaying indicators and behavioral patterns that would point out some “cognitive loss,” marking yet one more setback for the younger boy and his household.

“Cooper wasn’t properly sufficient or speaking sufficient to note these points earlier whereas within the hospital,” the household mentioned in an announcement Thursday. “Therapists are seeing brief time period reminiscence loss, points with phrase restoration, and lack of acuity round advantageous motor expertise.”

Cooper is now present process a complete neurological and psychological analysis this week and new therapies will probably be launched to his plan.

Consultants on the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab are doing a complete neurological and psychological analysis this week and dealing on new therapies, the household mentioned.

As well as, the household says they’re getting ready to change their dwelling for Cooper’s eventual return.

“The AbilityLab group can be working with us to suppose by way of the long-term wants for Cooper as soon as he is ready to go dwelling – the assistive applied sciences he wants to assist him with every day dwelling and the home options essential for a kid who will develop with a pediatric spinal wire damage. It’s overwhelming to contemplate,” the assertion learn. “We stay grateful for each prayer, type needs, reward and donation, and for the great moments when our household will be collectively.”

Final month, relations celebrated that Cooper had faraway from his IV ache drugs and capable of eat the stable meals he’d been craving.

COVID protocols at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, the place the boy is present process bodily remedy, restrict the how a lot time Cooper can spend together with his entire household. The household mentioned Cooper and his twin brother, Luke, “actually miss one another,” including that it “feeds their souls to be collectively.”

Cooper additionally just lately acquired a “particular go to” from former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier, who recovered from a spinal wire damage in 2017.

“Ryan was clear, genuine, real and gracious in sharing insights with us about his path to restoration,” the household mentioned. “We’re so grateful for Ryan’s motivational phrases and nice kindness in spending time with Cooper and Luke.”

As Cooper makes progress, docs are nonetheless uncertain about his prognosis and the restrictions he might need to stay with, based on the household.

“We do know that we’re infinitely grateful for his survival, and for the various kindnesses we proceed to obtain, together with from all who’re working to assist Cooper and others impacted heal from this nightmare,” the household mentioned.

In an earlier replace, Cooper’s household celebrated that the boy had began bodily remedy and deliberate to return to 3rd grade within the fall.

Going to highschool is “an enormous motivation” for Cooper, based on his household, as they mentioned he’s excited to see his pals.

On the time, the household mentioned Cooper will seemingly go to highschool for half of the day and take part in long-term outpatient remedy for the opposite a part of the day.

Nonetheless, Cooper was anticipated to stay in in-patient rehabilitation providers for six-to-12 weeks.

Each Cooper and Luke are partaking in personal psychological well being providers to assist them as they heal emotionally and physiologically, the household mentioned.

Greater than $1.7 million has been raised for Cooper’s restoration by way of a GoFundMe web page, based on the household.

A card-drive initiative has additionally been launched for supporters to ship get-well messages to the boy.

Sen. Julie Morrison, who’s operating for re-election this fall, is heading the gathering of playing cards to point out assist for Cooper and his household, she mentioned.

Playing cards will be despatched to or dropped off at 43 Highwood Ave. in Highwood.