Little Things That Could be the Start of Something Big
When I stared this blog, I originally intended to just write about Autism from the doctors perspective. I thought that this would be different and not something I had seen out on the web. My patient’s parents convinced me to broaden the scope of converstion as this subject is immense in the way that it touches peoples lives. Of course, I try to write articles now and again to educate parents of treatments that are available especially hemispheric Integration Therapy and functional medicine. This week I was inspired and encourage by the news that one of my toughest patients ( if not the toughest) had made a little progress. He is a 10 year old non verbal autistic child. He is a very sweet boy but you can feel the frustration inside him at times. He has great parents and is a happy child. He is difficult to work with because as I always say ” the more the child can do, the more I can do with him.” That is, the more tools that are available to help him. So, unfortunately it is easier to help an high functioning child than a low functioning child. Things such as no eye contact and not being able to follow instructions or mimic movements make it more difficult to apply the concepts of Hemispheric Integration Therapy for the purpose of helping a child. It is not to say that it can’t be done but it is a longer slower process we have to eventually get the child to the point where he can do more active participation. This often requires quite a bit of creativity and patience to achieve the goal. However, it can be done. Many times it is not a matter of capability but one of cooperation. That is to say, that at times, the children can do what is required but for the sake of “control ” don’t want to cooperate or at least only on their terms. This is where the parent and I get creative in trying to find various methods tho motivate the child to participate, which of course is for his own good, even if he doesn’t get it yet. Lately, with this child we have been getting more out of him at his therapy sessions than ever before. Last week this boys was clearly trying to tell me to do something, more than he ever has before. He can make sounds such as “Bah. He made several sounds and gestured but neither I nor mom could figure it out. This is a time when you could see frustration. This week his mom told me that for the first time he made two sounds in a row. That is, he was trying to say “more coke” and said “mmm kkkk.” That is exciting to me, gave me a boost of energy and had me up most of the night trying to figure out a way to enhance his treatment plan after taking into consideration what he appears to be responding to. It is not always a matter of what a child needs but also what we can do with him . In any case, I hope we are on our way to helping this child speak (a big thing) and that would thrill me almost as mush as it would thrill his mom.
Did you enjoy this post? Why not leave a comment below and continue the conversation, or subscribe to my feed and get articles like this delivered automatically to your feed reader.
Comments
This mom has been all over and has tried many,many therapies. I will ask her,thank you.I dont know about EFT but if you do, feel free to write something about it and I would be happen to post it for others.
When our children first learn to speak…their words are like music to their parents ears, and their expressions bring the utmost in delight to us. In the world of Autism, however, these precious little utterances from our sweet children’s lips, are not enjoyed in some instances, and these parents only experience silence, and disconnection. I wanted to jump up and down in happiness, for these parents, and the great joy that they must be experiencing right now. I am also very sure that they feel a great sense of appreciation to you, their doctor for not only the Hemispheric Integration Therapy, but for the type of doctor that you are. A doctor that would get so excited about his little patients progress, and stay up most of the night to find more ways to enhance this child’s treatment…amazing, truly amazing! You are a rare and extraordinary doctor, and person…and any parent that has the privilege of not just your services…but your personal, and wholehearted efforts given in regards to their child…Well…They are extremely fortunate indeed, and as I am sure, ultimately thankful as well. They have found a true gem of a doctor, and a wonderful friend.
Sincerely, Kim Larochelle
Have you tried using EFT or Emotional Freedom Technique with these children? Go to http://www.emofree.com for information.Hope this is useful.