Ross (5.5 Year Old Boy)
Diagnosis: Mild autism/ PDD-NOS
Therapies/Treatment: OT and Speech Therapy
Before AIT
Ross was 5 ½ years old when he first came for an AIT assessment. He had a diagnosis of mild autism/ PDD-NOS. He had the GFCF diet, Biomed, OT and Speech Therapy.
Russ had poor eye contact and showed inappropriate behavior. He had poor socialization skills and had difficulty forming friendships and interacting with peers . It was also observed that he does not know the appropriate use of toys.
He would toe walk and hand flap at times. He disliked parties and noisy gatherings. He also had poor handwriting skills.
Movement:
Ross also had issues with balance and coordination and did not do well at sports. He would freeze or stop at time while walking. He would flap hands . He would also jump repetitively.
Language:
Ross also has issues with grammar and language development. He has difficulty finding words to express himself. He has distorted speech.
Ross needed instructions repeated several times. He had problems recalling what was heard last month, last year. He often relied on visual cues such as picture print to understand what was being said to him. He also speaks too fast.
He is easily distracted by noise. He often daydreams and shows a delayed response to questions. He also hums and makes noises to himself. He also makes extreme high or low pitched sounds for no apparent reason. He likes memorizing words to songs or stories or video.
Sound Sensitivity:
Ross doesn’t like to have haircuts. He can’t concentrate around noise or crowds. When around certain sounds, he doesn’t like , he turns it off. He often doesn’t respond when name is called. He appears deaf or hearing impaired at times, it was noted that hearing aids were even made for him.
He also refused to blow dry his hear with a hair dryer.
Sleep Habits:
Ross wants someone to sleep with him. He snores or talks in his sleep.
Tactile Habits:
Ross doesn’t like his clothes wet. He likes to touch other’s hair and face. He only wears short sleeved shirts.
Self-Help:
Ross was toilet trained at 3.5 years old. He has difficulty blowing his nose and needs assistance in dressing.
Habits/Behaviors:
Ross doesn’t make eye contact. His demands must be met immediately. He doesn’t like to be told no. He throws a tantrums when a request is denied or is told to do something he doesn’t like.
He grinds his teeth. He would laugh and giggle unexplainably. He likes to play alone. He cries or tantrums in anticipation of new environments. His routine is very important to him and needs to be briefed ahead of time. He is hyperactive. He lines toys up.
Auditory:
Ross has history of hearing loss. He doesn’t listen to instructions 50% or more of the time. He doesn’t listen carefully to directions and it’s often necessary to repeat instructions. He has a short attention span and is easily distracted by background noise.
He has difficulty with phonics. He also experiences difficulties with sound discrimination. He forgets what is said after a few minutes. He displays difficulty recalling what was heard last week, month, year.
He has difficulty recalling a sequence that has been heard. He experiences difficulty following auditory directions and frequently would misunderstand what is being said. He doesn’t comprehend many words and has poor verbal concepts for his age.
He learns poorly through verbal instruction. He has a language problem and articulation problem. He displays delayed response to verbal stimuli .
Mom’s Expectations:
I expect Ross to improve in his speech, to be able to pronounce words more clearly. I want him to be able to narrate events.
I hope to improve his coordination and balance and for him to lose his fear of stairs.
First AIT Testimonial
2nd Day of AIT
Hi, everyone. Just wanted to share what happened on the second day of our AIT. Ross doesn’t recall events unless prompted so we were surprised on our 2nd day. This is how it went.
During breakfast:
Ross: One lion is dancing. In the TV.
Mom: Where? ( I thought he would mention a show)
Ross: In the hospital. I’m sick. (with a sad face)
I put pampers. I put my legs up.
Mom: oh, you put diapers.
Ross : No! I put pampers.
The doctor put injection on my hand. ( raising his hand)
Mom : Did you cry?
Ross : No…. I call the nurse. She check my ears. I drink medicine from the cup. I drink gatorade.
Mom : you had gatorade?
Ross : Ya, yaya brought gatorade.
This happened last Feb and he has never spoken about it till last week
May 31, 2008
Hi , We just finished our 1st week of AIT at STLC and I wanted to share Ross’ improvements. Ross is 5 and verbal but he couldn’t make kwento, when we ask him, he’ll answer using a word or two, then ask again, then answer with a word or two again, at times using a complete sentence. Isang tanong, isang sagot ba
On our second day, he started to talk about his hospitalization last Feb! We were at the dining table and it was the first time that I really felt like we were conversing! My husband couldn’t eat anymore as he listened to Ross. Syempre, tears started to fall from my eyes the 3rd, 4th and 5th day were full of surprises as well as he started to use words and ask questions we haven’t heard from him prior to AIT
Medyo hyper during lunch time and may pagka emotional lang lately. But I can deal with those basta magkwento pa siya! hahaha
I thank the Lord that we have therapies and support groups here in the Philippines!!
June, 8, 2008
On a funny note:
in the car on the way home from ait last week…
Ross was looking at a mole I have…
Ross: I’m Doctor Ross, this is Professor. (pointing to his brother)
Mom: What kind of doctor are you? What do you do?
Ross: I check moles. I remove your mole. (got the straw from my drink and pretended to operate on my mole!!)
One Year After
Ross is about 6 ½ years old now.
Movement:
Ross no longer has problems with balance, equilibrium and coordination. He no longer freezes or stops while walking. Hand flapping is rarely seen. He still jumps repetitively but its not as bad as it used to be.
Language:
Ross made a big improvement in terms of language. He no longer needs instructions repeated several times. He now can recall what was heard or said last week, month, or year. He no longer needs visual cues to understand what is being said. He no longer daydreams.
His response time in answering questions is faster and shorter. He no longer hums or makes noise to himself.
Ross is more expressive now compared to before. He has less distorted speech. He plays with toys more appropriately now. There are still some words that he has difficulty in speaking clearly.
Handwriting has improved. Ross is less distracted by himself or others. He is better at finding his things. He doesn’t memorize words to songs and videos as much as he used to. He also speaks more slowly now.
Sound Sensitivity:
He can now tolerate having a haircut. In terms of focus and concentration, he is much improved. He tolerates sounds better. He responds now when his name is called. He no longer acts like he is deaf or hearing impaired. And now allows his hair to be blow dried.
Sleep Habits:
He no longer wants someone to sleep with him or her. He still snores or talk in sleep.
Tactile Sensitivity:
He now can tolerate wearing wet clothes and long sleeved shirts.
Self-Help:
He still needs help with blowing his nose. He is better at dressing himself now.
Habits/Behaviors:
Ross no longer insists that his demands be met immediately. He rarely cries or has tantrums now in anticipation of new environments. He no longer insists on his routine. He takes it easily now, when he is told no. He likes to seek the company of other people.
Improvements in behavior noticed : his laughing and giggling as well as his teeth grinding has lessened. Eye contact is significantly better. He no longer lines up toys like he used to.
He is still hyperactive. He throws tantrums when request is denied.
Auditory:
Ross pays attention and listens carefully to instructions now. It is no longer necessary for instructions to be repeated. Attention span is better. He is less distracted by background noise.
He has less difficulty with phonics and sound discrimination. He no longer forgets what is said after a few minutes.
He now comprehends a lot of words. No longer demonstrates below average performance in one or more academic areas.
Mom’s Notes:
According to his mom, his grammar gradually improved after AIT. He is no longer confused when it comes to past tense. His socialization is better. He tries to interact more instead of atching from the sides.
He would tell his grandmother “ You, move it.” Or “ You dance.” And actually asked his AIT therapist : “You are pregnant?”
Miles (4 Year Old Boy)
Therapies/Treatments: AIT, OT, SPEECH, SPED
7 Days After AIT
We are now on the 7th day post AIT. Miles has many moods. He quickly gets irritated at times and there are also times that he is super happy. There are times that he will just hug for no reason. His siblings are shocked when Miles just goes up to hug his brother and sister.
We’re happily surprised because he now stops what he is doing just to go up to hug his siblings and then hug and smile at the same time. Those are the most wonderful moments we have experienced.
Yesterday was Miles’ first day with the new Occupational Therapist, and the first day he met his speech therapist after AIT. He had not seen the therapist for over a month because we temporarily hold speech therapy as the AIT practitioner recommended to undergo other therapies after AIT to be more effective.
The speech therapist (Teacher Z.) was very happy and surprised after the session. He was so surprised with Miles’ development. His impression with Miles before was that he is nonverbal and Miles seems to hold his speaking to people, to the effect that he might have psychological problems and that it would be best if we see a child psychologist.
Miles’ responses before were few. In an hour’s session with the therapist, you could only hear one softly spoken word from him. Eye contact was fleeting and it was so difficult to get a reaction.
In his speech therapy journal, teacher Z. noted the following:
Miles did well today but has to be enticed to speak most of the time said “open” spontaneously can follow one step command with 2-4 critical elements shakes his head to reject; can say “no” but not spontaneously can nod and can say “yes” though not spontaneously Teacher Z. commented that Miles was so different compared to the time he evaluated him.
These new report from Teacher Z. is a breakthrough. He is the first to report that Miles now responds to a yes and no question (at least he’s starting ).
After Miles’ therapy, he was all smiles, he hugged me and looked at me with broad smile/grin as if feeling “proud” that he did well today.
Just sharing these with you because I am super happy with his improvements.
Five Months After AIT
Five months post AIT there are a lot of changes that happened to Miles. He is now three months into biomed, twice a week OT and speech therapy, and twice a week SPED tutorial. I can say that AIT was crucial and instrumental in helping Miles perform well in school, in his therapies and in his tutorial sessions.
Following are some of the many changes he’s gone through:
- Miles now is consistent and spontaneous in uttering words to communicate his needs and wants – eye contact also consistent. He says “want chips!, want banana, want to play, stop!, no!, reading time, etc. When going to the toilet, he sits him self on the bowl and says “Wash!” when done with his potty with established eye contact while smiling.
- Miles is more aware of the people around him. He now has a sense of the presence of others surrounding him. One time in a cooking activity, everybody assembled and designed their cookies. Miles participated and proudly presented the cookie to me when school was over. He saw how the other kids ate their cookies after presenting them to their moms or caretakers. After praising him for a job well done, I took the cookie and kept it in my bag. He kept on looking at the other kids and gave me a questioning look. I told him he can’t eat the cookie as it is not good for him (not GFCF). This upset him. After trying 3 times to get the cookie (while saying “cookie! Want cookie!”) in my bag he had a tantrum which lasted until we got home. He rarely had tantrums that long.
Miles now looks around his surroundings and explores. He seems fascinated with things around him and often do not hesitate to see what other kids are doing. Before AIT, Miles seem not to care what other kids are doing, even kids just across or beside him.
His teacher this school year reports that Miles is a different boy compared to last June of school opening. He sings and dances during circle time and school activities. He was seen initiating social interaction and he shows awareness of things and people around him.
Miles enjoy playing and interacting with his sister and brother. He hugs them and kiss them even without prompts. - Miles copies what other kids are doing especially in outdoor play most of the time. He mingles with his 6-year old sister’s classmates and runs with them. He looks at them, smiles at them and lines up with them when the teacher tells them to line up. Miles often goes to other classrooms and look at the kids work while we wait for his sister’s dismissal time. He join kids in their play when he finds the activity interesting like sand play, water play and group swinging. He even join when kids play tag.
- There are times that Miles insist on what he wants to do. He gets upset when the teacher or therapist instructs him to do otherwise. Most of the time, Miles is generally compliant in school and in his therapies.
- He can now follow simple commands with two to three critical elements. He seemed to absorb instructions better. He also remembers previous tasks.
- He now executes fine motor and gross motor movements which were not observable before AIT. He can cut straight and diagonal lines with consistency and starts mastering cutting curved lines. He can now do harder gross motor movements involving both hands in coordination with both legs and feet.
- Miles can now show preference for people going near him. He does not allow people he is not familiar with to take his hand. Before AIT, he go with anybody who takes his hands.
- Miles can recite familiar books (mostly Dr. Seuss). He can sing familiar songs in complete lyrics. He chooses activities to do and does not stick on just one activity anymore.
- Miles opens and operates gadgets on his own and navigates and executes commands in these gadgets: computer, PSP, PS3, DS, cellphone, DVD player, etc. He now tries to go to the internet and browse around the car or automobile site which is his favorite. He does very hard puzzle games and prefers picture puzzles that looked real than cartoon looking drawings.
- Miles can balance himself better on a beam, on a swing and the exercise ball. He runs on a straight line with well-coordinated hands and leg movements. He can go up the slide on his own and slides by himself. Before AIT, Miles has a hard time walking or running straight. He bends his body sideways when he walks or runs and the path is curved and not straight. When he runs, he looked awkward, as if he’s about to fall down.
- Miles can now express that he is hurt when bumped by others or when he meets accidents. He appreciates different textures now, unlike before. Prior to AIT, Miles is somewhat hyposensitive.
Miles was diagnosed last year (November) and I can’t believe that Miles can now do a lot of things which I thought was hard to achieve given his condition. Miles’ improvements from the day he finished AIT up to this day is really amazing when I compare him to kids I know who just stuck with occupational therapy and speech therapy. All these, I think, was due mainly to AIT (which evidently addressed his vestibular and sensory issues), biomed and his usual therapies.
7 Months After Miles’ AIT
We are continually amazed by Miles’ improvement and development. Yesterday he dialed our office number (our new maid slipped a piece of paper near the phone – 9 inches from the main phone at super liit – so she can remember it) without prompt and without anybody instructing him to do so.
He said “hello” and replied when mike asked who it was (we were both in the office). He answered “Miles”. Then he just echoed what mike was saying and gave the phone to our maid when I asked him to give the phone to her. We were really surprised when we asked our maid if she somehow instructed Miles to do it. She said she went to the CR for awhile and found Miles talking on the phone when she came out. Miles also call our old maid as “ate”. He never called her that way before.
Miles’ teacher was surprised to learn also that Miles knows all the names of his classmates. At this point he calls them by their names. He never referred to other kids by name except for his siblings before. At home he refers to us by our names also. Parang nag ro roll call.
Everytime somebody enters the door he will say “Ate Rain!”. Miles now tries to speak in simple sentences. We increased our speech therapy to 2x a week. He gets to spend 30 minutes one on one with a teacher in school everyday aside from his teachers with regular kids.
So that’s “pull-out” time for Miles so they can assist him with his special needs. For this I am very thankful as Miles respond with the sessions effectively this way. Speech therapy evaluation is also great.
He now have session with another kid in speech therapy (dyads) once a week, the other session is one on one with the therapist. OT reports Miles is super madaldal nowadays. Di masyadong problem ang behavior kay Miles as he can be instructed what to do and follows them naman.
Miles’ way of conversing is still not conversational. Isang tanong, isang sagot, though now he tries to answer with not just one word – he use simple sentence some of the time.
Weng
Mom of Miles age 4
2nd Round of AIT
May 1 – First day of AIT
Morning session: Miles was happy to go to the AIT center. He remembered the place and was excited to go inside because of the toys. During the session, Miles does not want to be massaged. He gets irritated and cranky every time somebody massages his head. He was fidgety during the whole session and would even take away or slap away Ms. Steph’s hands.
Afternoon session: Miles was prodded to go inside for therapy. He insisted on his wants – to play with the toy (table with beads). During the session, Miles is fidgety and resists head massage. He squirms away to avoid the massage so we have to exert extra effort to keep him still and sitting properly.
May 2 – Second day of AIT
Morning session: Miles was in the mood on our way to the center. When its session time, he allowed Ms. Steph to massage him only for awhile and only when she handed him her wrist watch to hold on to. Near the end of the session, Miles was fidgety.
Afternoon session: Miles was convinced to go inside for his therapy. It took much prodding to convince him and leave the toy for awhile. During the session, Miles was uneasy when he saw Ms. Steph and buried his face on my chest to avoid massage. He allowed me to massage him instead.
After the session, Miles keeps looking around his surroundings while we go to the car. He seemed to be looking at the details of the wall. In the car, we asked him if he wants to go home already. He said “No!” clearly. We asked him where he wants to go. He replied: “Let’s go to SM. Let’s go shopping!”
May 3 – Third day of AIT
Morning session: Miles is irritable today. He needed a lot of convincing to let go of the toy and go inside for the session. Again, Miles resists massage. He will only allow a maximum of 2 minutes massage then gets fidgety and resists any hand on his forehead after. He diverts attention to the headset’s chord and whines when stopped with what he was doing with the chord.
Afternoon session: Miles wants to play with the wooden car which slides downwards. It took a lot of convincing before he went inside for the session. He greeted Mr. Clown – a hanging mobile inside the room: “Hello Mr. Clown!”. Miles was still fidgety and tries to move his head away from Ms. Steph. He did everything to make Ms. Steph’s hands from massaging his head.
May 4 – Fourth day of AIT
Morning session: Miles allowed his yaya to massage him. They finished the whole session without any fuss.
Afternoon session: Again, Miles did not fidget or complained when he was with the yaya. After the session, he said: “Hurry, Lola! Hurry, kuya Red!”. His lola remarked that Miles complained about his ears after the session: “Ouchy ears!”.
May 5 – Fifth day of AIT
Morning and afternoon session went well. Miles allowed the massage and was compliant when asked to go inside for the session or to stop playing because it is time to go already. Miles joined his sister when they went swimming in the pool. He enjoyed playing in the water. He showed interest in a food magazine that day.
May 6: Sixth day of AIT
Morning Session: Yaya was not around. We convinced him to go inside for the session. He kept on saying: “Where’s the book?”. As we did not know that the yaya gave him a food magazine the day before, we ignored his remark. Miles had a meltdown during the session. He kept on asking for the book and cried and had tantrum during the whole session. After the session, he was pacified when was finally given a food magazine. He was covering his ears after the session on our way to the car and in the car while we were driving. He closes his ears with his hands and opens them again. Parang naninibago. Afternoon session: Miles is quite fuzzy and restless this time. On the last five minutes, he is whining and can’t wait to finish the listening session. We need to prod him physically to leave the center because he ignores our verbal requests.
During his OT session, the OT tested if Miles can stay seated when left alone. It took some time before he stands up. Overall, he seldom gets up when left alone.
May 7: Seventh day of AIT
Morning and afternoon session: Miles went willingly inside the center and inside the session room. He allowed to be massaged. He asked his lola to hurry up afer the session. Engaged with Maxine and played with the doll house.
May 8: Eighth day of AIT
Morning and afternoon session: Miles was behaved during both sessions. He was a bit sleepy when we arrived home during the morning session. After the afternoon session, Miles went straight to the computer to play his Y3 games. In the afternoon, Miles peed in his shorts two times when we were in his grandmother’s place. We never had this accident for more than a year already and we find it odd that it happened at this point. He did not even say “Wiwi!” like he used to. At night time, Miles is quite happy and is playful. He asked me to read to him his Dr. Seuss books when it was bedtime. We read three books before he was satisfied and went to sleep.
May 9: Ninth day of AIT
While waiting for the center to open, Miles noticed Maxine’s arrival (one floor down). He shouted: “Maxine!” two times to call her attention. He waved his arm and shouted excitedly: “Hello Maxine!”. Miles was very happy to see Maxine today.
Morning session: Miles was okay at the beginning of the session. However, on the last 10 minutes, he got cranky. He called Ms. Kris, “Mad witch!” many times. He also remarked: “The car is broken!”many times.
Afternoon session: This next session went well without any fuss. At home, Miles accidentally peed in his shorts three times while playing his favorite computer game. This is another odd event.
May 10: tenth day of AIT
The morning and afternoon session went well. On the second session, Miles fell asleep on the couch. At home, Miles’ energy seemed low. He wants to lie down while watching tv. He slept early today.
After 2nd Round of AIT
May 11
A day after Miles’ second round of AIT, he was quite hyper and restless during his playgroup session. Despite this, Miles was generally compliant and participates in the activity. The therapist reports that Miles attention needed refocusing most of the time.
May 13
Today, Miles seemed to be fascinated with the feeling of spinning. He spins himself many times and laughs at the sensation after awhile.
May 14
Our maid went on vacation so I have to bring Miles to his sister’s summer day camp at school. To my surprise, Miles went inside the classroom and sat with the other kids as if he’s part of the class. He was listening attentively at the teacher and seemed very interested. He was allowed to join in and I left him there to participate. When I fetched him, he wanted to stay in school for awhile and play in the playground. He misses his routine in school badly so I let him play for a few minutes. When asked to go home, he went willingly.
He had 2 hours tutorial session in the center. At home, he said: “Mommy! Let’s go to office!”, “I want to eat please.”
May 15
Miles recited excerpts in his favorite Dr. Seuss book. When he saw an SM plastic bag in the house, he said: “Let’s go shopping!”. During the day time, Miles covers his ears when he was upset with his sister. He insists on his wants and takes awhile before he calms down. He fell asleep on the chair while playing his computer game at night.
May 16
We stayed in the office today. We let the kids stay in the top floor room which is like a studio type condo unit. Miles allowed me to work in the laptop for 4 hours – a first since he always insist on playing his computer games with my laptop. He watched TV and played with his brother and sister instead. In the afternoon, when he saw his sister tinkering with my laptop, he shouted: “No, ate Rain!” then got upset. He shouted: “I want computer!” ten times at his sister to keep her from using it. He only let go of the computer game when he saw the spiderman movie playing on tv.
May 17
Today, I heard Miles reading one of his favorite Dr. Seuss book. I was amazed to hear that he no longer have the monotone voice when reading or reciting what was in the book. He even changes his voice when a different character is talking in the book. When I listen to him, I was like hearing 2 different characters talking with each other. When he saw me arrive from the office, his face brightened up. He said: “Hello mommy! Hello Mommy! I want to eat!”
May 24
Today, Miles no longer want to be held by the hand when we walk on our way to the car. He sits when I try to hold his hand as I am worried about oncoming cars. He keeps his arms tucked in his legs when I try to get his hands. He only stands up if I allow him to walk on his own.
May 25
This is the last day of the summer play group session. Miles was awarded best in circle time. He participated in the “Trip to Jerusalem” game and tried so hard not to touch or grab the toys displayed as prizes for the games. Miles sung and danced the “Little teapot” song together with the other kids and the therapist as part of their presentation. He covered his ears when there was a balloon popping activity and acted scared. He joined again after that part of the activity.
May 26
Miles was very good in his dyad session today.
May 27
Miles played with his sister and brother today. He says: “I want to eat please” when hungry. I caught him practicing his analogy exercises on his own.
He “read” his books on his own.
Miles practices his analogy exercises again. Red is to apple, orange is to carrot. Carrot is to vegetable, as apple is to fruit. Milk is to cow, eggs is to chicken. Moo is to cow, meow is to cat. Car is to street, train is to train tracks. He said before going to sleep: “Mommy, here! Read books!”. Today, Miles had a hard time sleeping.
June 2
On our way to his therapy, Miles practices his own analogy exercises. Red is to “stop”! Yellow is to “wait”! Green is to “go”! To amuse himself, he asks these questions and answers them also. He points at the vehicles while saying them. Is that a car? Yes! Is that a taxi? Is that a green bus? Yes! Is that a fire truck? Is that a jeep? And so on and so forth. I add some descriptive words to make his sentence longer like “big or small”, “color of the vehicle”, “slow or fast”. He enjoyed doing this while in the car. Actually, he enjoyed talking lately.
June 8
We did where question games. Where do we brush teeth? Where do we cook? Do we eat in the bedroom? Do we play in the bathroom? He was very good at this.
June 15
Today is the first day of school. Miles was excited and happy to see his school again. At dismissal time, Miles said goodbye to the ates and teachers. He went swimming and biking in the afternoon.
June 16
We had a hard time convincing Miles to stop his computer game when it was time to go for therapy. I have to drag him to go in the car. He was only pacified when we were on the road and when I initiated our usual road trip game: Miles is that a jeep? (pointing to a car) to challenge him to correct me.
June 17
School time again. Miles calls my attention to go upstairs and to play computer. I showed him a calendar (weekly) and explained to him that starting today we are back to school in the morning, therapy or tutorial in the afternoon, then computer game in late afternoon or playground or biking. Then at night time its time to sleep. He understood and did not insist on what he wants. At night, he asked me to read his Dr. Seuss books again. We finished 3 stories before he went to sleep.
June 20
Miles was happy to see the new Dr. Seuss books I bought for him. He opened them and motioned me to sit with him. I was shocked to see that Miles can actually read on his own! He points at the words and he was able to read them. I have to guide him to some new words but majority of the words he can already read.
June 21
Miles had a bruise on his lower leg when he came home from biking. He told me its Ouchy and pointed at the place of the bruise.
June 22
I heard Miles saying: “Hey! Stop Ate Rain!” “Mommy, come here! Let’s play Y3. Come upstairs!” in a demanding way. I remember months back, I was the one telling and asking Miles to go upstairs. Now he’s the one calling me.
June 23
In the morning, Miles said: “Today is going to school!” While in the car, Miles said: “Mommy is in a car. Miles is riding Mommy’s car.” On our way to the elevator of the therapy center, Miles said: “Hello, manong guard!” After his therapy, he said bye to Ate Bheng, the center’s secretary. He read one paragraph of the new book on his own while pointing at the words. I introduced other online educational games to Miles and he enjoyed them.
June 24
I practiced Miles to follow a certain format in saying sentences: Name IS Verb+ing OBJECT. Like: The bear is playing the flute. He liked the exercise and applied it to his new book upon seeing the images. He does not only identify this time, he describes what the characters are doing.
As texted: I forgot it was San Juan Day today and I asked my maid to fetch him. Ayun natuwa sa basaan. Pagdating ko sumalubong. “Mommy! Tshirt ! Nabasa ang tshirt! “ He reported happily and excitedly. 1st Filipino words and sentence niya yun.
Kelot (5 Year Old Boy)
Therapies/Treatment: AIT, Speech, OT, ABA, SPED
In February of 2008, Kelot was able to get AIT treatment. On his first day, he was readily able to accept the headphones. In the evening, we noticed that he kept grinding his teeth. On his 2nd day, he started taking interest in Mother Goose mini books which he used to ignore before. Like on the first day, we noticed that he continued to grind his teeth. He played with the Mother Goose mini books again.
Kelot who was always using one or two word phrases, totally surprised us by talking on the 2nd day. He said . “Daddy he wants to go to the other room.” Although this sentence was grammatically wrong, because Kelot still has confusion in the proper usage of the word “I” to refer to himself. He was also able to say “ I want to pack away 15 books.”
On Kelot’s 3rd day of AIT, it was like a faucet had turned on. Kelot was saying so many things. Like telling his Nanny to wake up at 2:00 am. He also told his Nanny “to go down and get something”. He would ask “where is Mommy and Daddy.” We were amazed at this increased awareness, because Kelot never asked about our whereabouts. He was also able to say spontaneous and appropriate phrases like “Daddy where is my notebook?” or “Daddy please get my notebook.” He also tried getting his Nanny to try the headphones. “ Please wear my earphones, “ Kelot would say.
He also seemed to want to stay with us now. He would say “ Daddy, Mommy, you go with me down stairs.” He would also say how he had an accident on the bed like “ I peed 2 times on the bed.” In his room, he has a cd player and a set of cds he listens to. He usually just likes to fiddle with them, but today he was able to ask his Nanny. “ is cd disc a toy?”. He also expressed curiousity about our next door neighbors and told me that he wanted to go to the next house. He was able to ask for toys that he wants to play with, saying “ I need some numbers”. Aside from this, we were also surprised at his expression of imagination like pretending to be a turtle and telling his Nanny, “I am a turtle.”
On the 4th day of AIT, Kelot who was particularly irritated with Sean his 3 year old brother that day, told his Nanny that “Sean is not my brother.” Kelot and Sean usually play in the same room together. Kelot remarked “ I want to change the room.” When asked what he wanted to change in the room, he did not respond anymore. But when Sean started singing his favorite songs, Kelot told Sean. “Sean, don’t sing it’s noisy.”. We were so amazed by this change of attitude. Usually if Kelot doesn’t like something that Sean does, it ‘s an instant catfight. Kelot will just go over and hit Sean if he wants him to quiet down.
He surprised us in the afternoon when he remarked about an electric mosquito killer which had always irritated him every time any one in the family turned it on. He said, “Kelot scared with the mosquito killer when I turn on.”
On the 5th day of AIT, he was able to say a few more new phrases again like “That’s for Lalaine only.” Or “ Get big boys.” After therapy in school, he told us that he was good listening to Teacher Marj.”
On the 6th day of AIT, Kelot surprised us again by asking “where is Daddy?” I asked him “do you know where Daddy is?”He said . “ Daddy go down stair and eat because daddy is hungry.” This floored me because it is the first time I ever heard use because is a sentence and use it appropriately.
Kelot’s way of playing cars changed. He started lining all the cars he had in his room. When asked what ‘s he doing he said “ Kelot line up the cars from big to small”. He would also make observations like “Grandma is on the little bed, me on the big bed.” He also made statements like “ I want to get the flashlight inside the toilet.” He also told his Grandfather. “ Please put the emergency light in the dark place.”
He was also toilet trained on this day. He refused to put on diapers before sleeping and woke up his Nanny at 3:00 am to pee.
On the 7th day of AIT, Kelot is playing with his cars again. He asks “ How many cars?” If asked what the cars are doing, he replies . “ The cars are parking now.” He also shows some defiance like when prompted to hug his Grandmother. He said, “hugging is bad” and “ I don’t want to hug and kiss Grandma.” He would now ask his Nanny to accompany him to the toilet, saying “ Come with me in the toilet.”. His capacity for pretend play is better. His Pooh bear which he has always slept with since he was little is now part of his imaginative play. He would tell the bear to “ Climb on my knee.”
For some reason his defiance also extended to playing with things that he knows he is not supposed to play with like cds and rubbing alcohol. When told not to play with his cds, he said . “Cars is not a toys. Cd is a toys.” When told not to play with alcohol, he said . “ I want to drink alcohol because alcohol is a water.” When he cried today, he was able to say. “ Kelot is crying.”
On the 8th day of AIT, Kelot told his Nanny. “That’s not mine, the medicine.” He also told her what he did after taking his chewable multivitamins “ I spit chewable in the toilet.” He also said . “ I want to dictate.” Although I am not sure if he really knows what dictate means. He played with alphabet letters and when asked what he was doing, he said “ Kelot lining up the alphabet letter.”
Mealtime is often routinary for my son who is a very picky eater. He again surprised us today by saying “Wow, some food.” with much enthusiasm. He got his spoon, scooped some rice from his plate and dumped it in his soup. After doing that, he said “ I put rice in the soup that’s very nice.”
After dinner, Kelot played with his Daddy in the room. Kelot hid inside the dark bathroom and called his Daddy. He said “ Daddy, I’m here in the dark place.” He then called out and said “ Daddy you go with me into the dark place and go up in the 3rd floor.”
On the 8th day of AIT, Kelot greeted his Nanny today by saying “ Thank you and good morning.” Kelot’s grandpa sometimes likes to bring him to Mc Donald’s in the morning. Kelot pointed out the car to Grandpa and said. “ I want to ride this car and go to hotcake.”
Conversation today with his Nanny while eating. Kelot spits his food. Nanny tells Kelot not to spit his food. Kelot says “ Tell Nanny when you spit.” He has his small magnetic alphabet letters on hand and tells his Nanny. “ I want to put letter on the soup.”
Kelot’s Auntie Joyce visits him while Kelot is playing with the lined up cars in the room. Auntie Joyce asks him what the cars are doing. Kelot replies. “All the cars go out in the pink room and look for a new room.” He also tells her “not to get the wheel”. His playing of cars also includes remarks on doors like “ Two doors are open. “ or “Two doors are closed.” He also expresses an interest in cleaning the cars. He said “ I want to wash car inside the toilet.” He notices that his aunt is happy playing with him and says “ Auntie Joyce is happy” and this is first time we’ve seen him use expressions for emotions without prompting. He also notices for the first time what color shirt people are wearing and asks about the colors.
On the 9th day of AIT, he greeted his Daddy, “Good morning, Daddy.” He was very particular about the time he woke up today and the time his brother woke up. He said “Wake up at 9:00 am.” And add. “Sean wake up at 9:10 am.”
On the 10th day of AIT, Kelot was able to say the following phrases. “How do like that.” “I don’t like that.” And “Everyone will eat food.” He was also able to express his desire to go to the kitchen, saying ‘ I want to go to the kitchen and cook some food.” He was also able to tell his Nanny to “please fix the cars and say bye bye.” And asked “where’s pedialyte please get”. And while playing his little Mother Goose books again, he said “ Kelot line up the Mother Goose books.
Today I got the biggest surprise of my life. I came down stairs to find Kelot standing on the stool of the piano. He was looking at me. As in really looking at me, smiling and had his arms wide open. He called to me and said. “ Mommy, come! Come here Mommy!” I said “Yes, Kelot?” and immediately went to him. He hugged me and said “ I Love You, Mommy.” I said. “ I love you too, Kelot. Mommy loves you very much.” It is the best belated Valentine’s gift ever.
I nearly cried, I couldn’t believe that he was looking at me, finally seeing me as Mommy. And being able to say “ I Love You.” After all these years of waiting and praying for Kelot to come out of his shell, Kelot had finally emerged from his world. God had given us a miracle.
Three months after AIT, I took Kelot to see his developmental pediatrician again. Dr. S. was very much surprised by Kelot. He told me that Kelot was close to being a normal child. Dr. S. said that “ there were only nuances left of his autism.”
In school and therapy, Kelot progressed incredibly well. He is more independent in his work. He is more focused. He is more verbal and able to express his needs well. Although we still have a lot issues that we need to work on, we feel that AIT was critical in mainstreaming Kelot.
9 months after the 1st round of AIT:
My son recently finished his 2nd round of AIT . What I can share with you that his sensitivity to our irritating next door neighborhood rooster and firecrackers has lessened. Although we are not as lucky as other kids are, when it comes to the fireworks. hahaha. Pero nabawasan na rin ang aming 3 am vigils.
He now knows how to ask for headphones whereas before he used to cry or just freeze in place because he felt so helpless against the noise.
He is more interactive and looks at us more. He also uses words now like ” Sige na, Yaya. . ” or ” Teacher, you are not listening to me. ” Teacher would ask him, “why are you a Teacher?” . He was able to reply ” Yes, I’m Teacher Kelot..”
Today, I was so surprised that he stopped me before I went to work and asked . “Mommy, where are you going?” I replied ” to office” and then “What time will you go home?” I answered : 6 o clock. His follow up question to that was . ” Is that AM or PM? ” I replied “PM” and after that he said good bye to me.
Even now, i still get surprised that he insists on escorting me now to the door everytime I say good night and exit the room. He insists on closing the door for me . Before he would just ignore me and I would have to call him several times to get his attention.
But I honestly don’t think we’d be here today without the combination of all our therapies working together in harmony.
K (5 Year Old Boy)
Therapies/Treatment: AIT, SPEECH, OT, ABA
Before AIT, K was so sensitive to loud noises. He would often runaway and hide or cover his ears whenever he hears a loud noise or something he is not so familiar with.
We ended first week of November last year, my family and I were planning na where to spend the New Year because we all know how noisy it can get here sa pinas come new year’s eve.
But just a month after AIT, napansin namin that K doesn’t runaway anymore. He’ll just look over lang kung saan nanggaling yung loud noise and then deadma lang.
That first time, i thought, baka tsamba lang. But then, kids in our neighborhood started playing na with some fireworks, na before, Kythe would definitely runaway from or natataranta once he hears it.
But surprisingly (or not), he did not panicked or runaway, rather he would look at me and tell me… BOOM BOOM! meaning loud noise or fireworks. So to tell the story short… his fears with loud noises suddenly stopped. AND… he lets me clean his ears na!
Without fidgeting or bribery needed… charan!! Our success story with AIT so far.
Notes from his OT and ABA also said that he can now follow auditory commands with three elements na. Definitely a success whereas before, he tends to forget what he was supposed to do two or three seconds after it was asked from him.
AIT is definitely worth a try lalo na for kids with hearing sensitivity.
Sam (3 Year Old Girl)
Therapies and treatments : AIT, OT, SPEECH, ABA
Hi Everyone!
I would also like to share our experience with AIT. We started last week at STLC with Steph, the same day as Michelle. My child, Sam, is 3 years old. She is verbal, but we are often limited to “I want…..” and some 3 word sentences.
During our first week of AIT, her ABA asked her,“How are you?” and we were astounded when all of a sudden, she answered, “I’m fine.” She would never ever answer before without any prompting, and we usually just get “fine” for an answer. Also, when her yaya told her your Mommy is calling you, she said “My Mommy is calling me”….she finally got the concept of ME, YOU, and MY!
During midweek, when we were trying to get a urine sample for a lab test, she steadfastly refused to let us catch her urine in a cup. She ordered us to “Put on panty! Put on Underwear! Open the door, I want to go home!”
On the expressway, we were beside an ambulance. Usually, she would freak out at certain noises and would start humming to herself and covering her ears. We were beside the noisy ambulance for a good 10 minutes since it was so traffic….she just pointed at it and said, “It’s an ambulance!”
One day, she got her clips out of her drawer and told her yaya “I want to fix hair” when it was done, she said “I want to see mirror” and upon seeing herself, she said “Its nice”. While shopping, she grabbed a shirt off a hanger and said, “I want to wear dress”. I also noticed that she started brushing her hair away from her face….she seemed more aware of herself and of her environment.
She has demonstrated so much spontaneous language, that my husband and I are always surprised at the things we never thought she knew! The clincher was, when we dicovered that she really understood Tagalog! My husband asked her “Anong gusto mo?” and she answered “I want to study to drive the car” My husband was so happy that he let her sit with him on the driver’s seat.
We are now on our last week of AIT. She has started trying to engage her younger sister in play activities like any NT 3 year old would do. We were so excited, we had to catch it on video. So many subtle improvements have been emerging! I am very hopeful that we wil be seeing more in the next few months.
She became more stubborn (in a good way of course) and she is more verbal in her stubborness and assertiveness! Her therapists report that she has become more demanding and also verbal in her refusal to comply with certain tasks. As in she would say “I want to don’t want!” “I want to stay here” “I don’t like…….”
We have been on Biomeds for almost a year. I think the combination of different interventions and therapies has helped us a lot. We’re not yet recovered, we still have issues to deal with. But we are very hopeful that her recovery is indeed possible.
Marie
Mom of Sam 3 years old
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