Meet Timothy!
He has been in our care for about four years. Over the years, I've watched him grow and mature into a handsome young man. He was diagnosed with high functioning autism before being enrolled in our center. When he first started, he had sensory issues and would not interact with others. He would also have meltdowns and outburst because he had problems expressing his emotions verbally. Due to this issues, his mother placed him in occupational therapy. Since then, I have noticed a difference in how he conducts himself. Now he understands how to use his words to express his feelings, as well as engage with other children in the center. His mother also explains that he is doing much better in school and has become less dependent on her.
I found an interesting article entitled, Study Finds Sensory Integration Therapy Benefits Children with Autism. “This study is one of the first to show that therapy is an effective way to help ease such sensory difficulties and improves daily functions” (Autism Speaks, 2013). Although this study is not a new, it discusses how engaging with others can help with autism overall. "Sensory integration therapy, as practiced by occupational therapists, uses play activities in ways designed to change how the brain reacts to touch, sound, sight and movement" (Autism Speaks, 2013). The findings also revealed that they needed less assistance from their parents with self-care and in social environments (Autism Speaks, 2013). Studies like these help children, like Timothy, function more effectively in society. I personally believe that early intervention for children with disabilities create better outcomes for their future.
Today, Timothy is twelve years old. He is a joy to be around. He loves to give hugs and makes sure I am living a healthy life like him. When the day comes that he will leave our center, I don't know what I am going to do because a piece of my heart will be gone!
Reference
Autism Speaks. (2013, December 3). Study Finds Sensory Integration Therapy Benefits Children with Autism. Retrieved from https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/study-finds-sensory-integration-therapy-benefits-children-autism
Hello Andrea,
ReplyDeleteYour story about Timothy is so touching and uplifting. To know that he has opened up while in the care of your center is powerful. The use of sensory integration therapy is so powerful, I have witnessed it first hand. Exposing children on the spectrum to this type of therapy has so many benefits, as you have mentioned. I feel that more of this therapy should be implemented. The possibilities for it working on all children is unlikely, but if it works for those in high need, then it is proven to work. Again, thank you for sharing.
Crystallynn
Andrea,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this story about Timothy and how research has affected his life. What a blessing to be able to be a part of his life and education for 4 years. By raising awareness in regards to therapies that help these children achieve independence this research can be life changing for lots of children just like Timothy.
Great blog,
Susan Tefft
Andrea,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this story about Timothy and how research has affected his life. What a blessing to be able to be a part of his life and education for 4 years. By raising awareness in regards to therapies that help these children achieve independence this research can be life changing for lots of children just like Timothy.
Great blog,
Susan Tefft
Andrea,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing a great story. Research that proves the value of what we do in early childhood classrooms is so necessary. Timothy's story is a super example of the great use of research to support children's learning and development. Thanks for sharing! -Liz Plaskon