Breaks are good!! Children were waiting for me to come back : )

I went on a 10 day break. It was relaxing and rejuvenating in every way. Surprisingly, I was looking forward to come back to my daily life. As I joined work, my little toddlers overtly expressed their joy seeing me.

One child, who has a diagnosis of mild autism, started clapping when he saw me and said 'Kanica didi.' He let me hug him, which he resists on usual days.

Another child with Mild Mental Retardation and Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis walked up to my room and seeing me, he approached me and hugged me tightly. I was overwhelmed the way this 5 year old child held me tight.

A child with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder started flapping his hands and laughed seeing me. I was so happy to see the way the children noticed me, and embraced me with their love and joy. 

I was refreshed to see my lovely kids love for me. Happy to see the bonds with my little tingles have become strong. It’s a Wow!! Feeling to notice how expressive they have become and are seeking interaction and togetherness.

Yahooooooo!!!    : ))

Occupational Therapy calms down a toddler- Bringing him Joy : )

I had a heart warming experience yesterday which I want to share with all of you.

A child, 2.4 years, was referred to my clinic for an intake and therapies. A formal assessment hasn't been done for him, but the signs very clearly indicate Autism.

The child had excessive proprioceptive and vestibular needs. For example the child runs about the house the whole day. He jumps from heights without fearing that he might hurt himself. He seeks auditory and visual stimulation from the environment. He bangs his toys and other things that he has access to, so that he can fulfil his auditory needs. If he has access to nothing, he can produce squeaking sounds from his mouth the whole day. The mother reported he is only quiet in front of the TV.

Arun avoids interaction and prefers being alone. His joint attention and play skills are latent as of now and language milestones are delayed as well.

The first therapy session on his first day at our centre was of occupational therapy. The therapist sat with him on the swing and taped his fingers. As the occupational therapist  gave him pressure, pressing his head- the child became so relaxed that he had tears in his eyes. The 2 years 4 month old Arun was smiling with tear in his eyes. I was observing him from a distance, sitting right opposite him. My heart was overwhelmed to see such a beautiful sight.

The child must have been so uncomfortable in his own body because of his Sensory needs. He felt light, and laughed and enjoyed in that some time when he got sufficient sensory diet through therapy.