Spectrum Saturdays: Therapy

Ciaran on a swing during and Occupational Therapy session

Becoming a parent of a child with Autism is sometimes like entering a foreign country. There's a whole new language to learn, and a whole new set of customs and social norms. It can be a little overwhelming. But we parents trudge in anyway. We want to help our kids. And really, is there anywhere you won't go for your child?

Sometimes I wish there had been a guide. "Welcome to Autism!", it would say. Then it would have a list of things you needed to do, and in what order. Of course I'd want it to end with "And then your child will be cured." but I think that's kind of a pipe dream. After all, Autism is a lifelong neurological condition. I'm still of the opinion that the term "lifelong" in reference to a condition my child has, sucks. But that's a whole other post.

One of the first things that other parents and the doctors did tell me, was the importance of therapy, as soon as possible. Early intervention is key for children with Autism. And let me tell you, I lucked out big time in that area. We somehow ended up with a couple of the best therapists out there. They work a lot with kids who have Autism and related disorders and they utilize a lot of cross therapy methods that increase success. Ciaran has been making such strides!

Ciaran identifying different baby expressions during Speech Therapy

Starting this week, we're going to be doing combined speech and occupational therapy. When Ciaran's body is regulated, as through OT methods, he becomes more focused and can better access language. That means, when these therapists start working together with Ciaran he's going to start getting better results from both.

I am so thankful to have found a pediatric therapy practice that truly understands the needs of a child with Autism and who has therapists that have bent over backwards to help see my child advance. Ciaran is a smart boy who has so much to tell us. Our therapists help to break down the walls that keep him inside himself so that one day, maybe he can share with us all that he's been trying to.