2/3 part blog

Please be sure to have read the preceding article “The Best Therapy centre is your home” and then only proceed. https://www.momspresso.com/parenting/article/the-best-therapy-center-is-your-home 

So, how was it? Tiring..."Yes"...Fun...."Yes"...Purpose..."Wondering!" Wait…”Too long!” You certainly did something you haven't done in a while. In my methodology with children, I make it a point to tell parents and the child -The truth -Always. Each sentence below is important. Do not skip. 

Now, lets learn about Dev. He has ASD/ADHD/Severe Behaviour Issues and is almost non verbal and doesnt participate/communicate like all. (Dev can be any age. The higher the age, the longer its going to take to realize results. But you will.) This month, you are going to do 3 things differently from all the months before with Dev. 

 1.You are going to Trust that he can do marvellously well. Well, you have always trusted him but as he grew older, the doubts have crept in and invaded the family and consumed them sometimes. It is easier when the child is very young but I urge all parents to trust their child. It will be the basis of all else we are to follow this month. Trust is intangible and is only felt in situations. It provides immense sense of security for a child. This month, each time you feel miserable, you will openly tell Dev, "I love you. I trust you." Do not expect a response. 

2. You will get down to his eye level and speak (a word or 2 max) only when he looks at you. Frankly, all else is not received completely. Well, the obvious issue is he doesn't like to look or hold gazes. Now, gently hold his hand and wait....he will look. DO NOT LET GO OF YOUR HAND until he looks......you can walk with him if he moves away...finally when he does....say 1 word+smile and gently let go. Let’s try this with the TRUST we are implementing this month. Try this only 2 or 3 times a day this month. Eg. While the plates are given at dinner......WAIT(Upto 40 seconds......Time it) till he looks and then hand him the plate saying "Take yours"…Saying the word “plate” is not necessary if you are confident about what you are working on. Its communication and not English words we are working towards. 

3. You will park 20 min of your day aside every day for Dev. It can’t be less and it needn't be more this month. You will get into his world and play crazy things the way he wants/does. It has to be 30 continuous minutes but in a closed room with minimal items or distraction. I am sure you have the space...now that you have de-cluttered. You will be mindful to provide excellent eye contact(do not expect it back) and absolutely no talking. Point 3 is apart from point 2. At the end of this month, you will note, a happier child from Month1. A child beginning to trust and feel secure. 

Review: Sit down with your family and spend 5 min to ponder what was different this month. Reflecting upon ones actions is the key to developing oneself and hence those around us. 

Get ready to record sessions from Month3. A mobile with camera and a stand may be required. This is for self-reflection purpose only. Many parents find it difficult at the stage of self-reflection; I urge you to find a good guide who also understands the essence of what you are doing and follows you, corrects you and walks this journey with you. 

All those reading, “FOLLOW” me to stay connected, please leave a comment about the experience! It will ensure you are guided best in the next article.