I can still remember, when Dr. Toh, HKL diagnosis So Ler as moderate autism.
( SoLer was `playing’ by himself near sofa, we were sitting in front of the Dr., he observed him, tried to get his attention, asked us questions, it was a long talk. I asked why no paper assessment, he said in `frustration/tiredness’ by experience, had seen so many everyday, he can tell.)
We drove along Jalan Apmang, at the corner lot there was a kindergarten equipment store. We went in, a kind lady, gave us the Hospital Gleneagles speech therapist name Carmen contact. We started to have appointments with her weekly. While waiting for the government long waiting list for therapies. (Speech & occupational)
Carmen also have long appointment list, I spent all my annual leaves on HKL, and so I have to go on Saturdays. I was stupid at that time; I didn’t tell her frankly that SoLer’s diagnosis was autism. (Many years later, we met again, she said she knew he was autism.) In the beginning, SoLer improved very quickly, than the chart shown flat improvement.
I was no motivation and don’t know what to do. I did contacted SPICES earlier (dentist Yeo recommended us) but they put us in waiting list. It was a long wait.
Carmen recommended us to Lam, occupational therapist, after the one and only appointment, (rolled on big gym ball, up side down, throw rings, crawling, press clip, compress body, flash card alphabet, suggested go Padang everyday, hanger pegs left right hands & eyes) So Ler suddenly gained improvement in his speech. Later back to flat improvement again.
Carmen advised us (in fact she gave an early intervention list to me earlier, but due to working, I didn’t consider it.)
I tried to call SPICES again, this time I was really desperate, I cried over the phone. So we started EIP once a week, morning 2-1/2 hrs after an interview. I asked office for time off. I became a Shadow of Aid to So Ler in SPICES. He was 5 years old.
Later, the EIP increased twice a week. I continued to take time off and compensate back missing hours by go home late.
I am not a discipline person. I didn’t follow what the O.T. therapist said. I didn’t practice with So Ler at home everyday. I think I can give excuse because of the long working hours and the pressure at work.
All this while, sometimes I was motivated, ensuring we are giving SoLer the `treatment’ that we are comfortable with, affordable with. But other times, we doubted the decision making.
Time flies, we had ups and downs in our careers. This also affected our attention given to our two boys.
SoLer is now 9 going to be 10 this April, he is going to Sekolah Kebangsaan Danau Kota everyday except Tuesdays attending SPICES since he was 7. I can see his improvement in some other areas. He started to have behavior problems when he started his school age program or later. He is now much more aware of things happening surrounding him.
2010 back to school is a good starting point, we have some kind of `not so official’ night routine even thought I didn’t keep it up, he seems to have less temper tantrum at home. (From 9:00pm onwards including Saturday and Sunday)
He had one episode yesterday, So Xue was crying at the staircase landing when they reached home. He started to scream too. I tried a new strategy; I pulled him to help So Xue take off shoes. He got very angry and tried to pull my hair. I insisted. I leaded his hand to keep So Xue’s shoes (I understand it’s a new school opening for So Xue, a lot of pressure on him, sometimes I don’t have to say, just let him cry and show sympathy, he’ll be calmed down)
I rewarded a chocolate to So Ler, very good helping, I said. He’s still angry and wanted to cry. I gave him some water. I occupied him by helping me to keep laundry basket and some light house works. He became happy later.
