“All children with special needs have a right to be part of the family, a community, and society,” says Angela Dare, and people like Dr. Aarohi Vachhrajani make it possible.
Dr. Aarohi is a neuro paediatric physiotherapist working in the industry for six years, giving the majority part of her day helping children, and making their life a tad better and more beautiful each day. She is experienced in speech therapy and special education, with certified courses in sensory integration, special education, pediatric nutrition, yoga, and fitness training. She helps all kinds of children from infants to teenagers. Sometimes newly born kids in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit also need the assistance of neuro-pediatric physiotherapists.
Starting her work under a neuro pediatric physiotherapist, becoming one herself, and practicing in Katargam and Vesu with collaborations in Pal, to watching a dream of opening her own center that provides all facilities to special children under one roof, to actually achieving the same, she has indeed come a long way, just so she can help more young lives. Hence, no doubt HFM had to get in touch with her to get a glimpse of her life, and an insight into these children
Dr. Aarohi - Special children bring something special to you
Treating children is so different from treating adults. You have to connect with these kids, and the kids will only let you treat them if they feel comfortable with you. Else there are chances that a kid might get very anxious, or begin crying so much that he/she falls sick. They literally start running away, and you might even risk the chances of epileptic attacks in them. One has to be very very patient with them, and you see the signs of recovery at a much slower pace, hardly a mild recovery in 15 days to a month.
Helping children who are diagnosed with difficulties like Autism, Down’s Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, etc is a lifelong process, one that needs a comprehensive teamwork of physiotherapists, nutritionists, special educators, school teachers, and parents.
Managing these kids is definitely a task. The key is to give them a proper environment, be friendly yet strict with them, and make them enjoy therapy. Keeping them engaged in different things, and giving them toys and games to play generally does the trick.
Being patient is a must. Kids with autism and cerebral palsy are, at times, not aware of their environment, and only through helping and supportive touch can one communicate with them. It, even so, happens that they are not able to understand your words, and in that case, if you are harsh or loud, it can prove very traumatic for these children.
These young minds are not immune to other mental health disorders either like depression and anxiety. It does happen that an overactive and energetic child gets silent, stops eating, or gets a high fever and doesn’t even respond to the medicines, being snatched away by depression.
Though it's a good thing that in such times doctors suggest therapy. Even parents and school counselors are getting aware of the same, and seek/advice help as and when necessary. Though the process of spreading awareness can’t be halted, for there are still young minds in need of help.
Dr. Aarohi - Mothers still stand the Hero
Dr. Aarohi and her team help organize support groups for such children. There are even such support groups for the mothers who have it the hardest.
Mothers undoubtedly suffer the most. I have seen a mother whose kid is taller than her, yet she manages to bring him to the center. I have seen a mom who has to tie her kid with her dupatta to bring him. They go through all sorts of difficulties so that they can bring them to the center, and help them get better
Dr. Aarohi - Special education sets the tone of their lives
Special education caters to children with special needs who can’t cope with the normal schooling system. So these children are brought to a special education institution, which along with education, works on their therapy and rehabilitation. They teach them the basics of a language, subjects like maths, science, social science, and general knowledge along with taking them shopping, teaching them etiquette and table manners, etc. In short, working on making them independent and ready to enter the “real world”.
Although, not every child requires special education. Children with physically different abilities and mild learning challenges can learn and thrive in normal schools as well.
Dr. Aarohi - The Ways of Health and Fitness
Like everyone else, these children have consistent sessions of Yoga, Zumba, and aerobics, along with a special program designed as per the condition of each child. Meditation is the most beneficial for these little angels. Sound Healing sessions are another way they tend to help these children’s mental sanity.
“During festivals like Navratri, we call trainers for Garba sessions, and celebrate different days and festivals with them, to make them aware of these occasions.” They conduct healthy competitions and other sessions that help these children bond.
Dr. Aarohi - These children’s hearts speak…
These children might face issues with expressing themselves, but indeed their hearts speak for them. A kid might make something at home and bring it to the center to show it to their friends, or their ma’am. They find their friends in their teachers.
“Let-it-be, take-it-easy, these kids taught me all this in its true sense.”
We all need to change our behavior towards these kids. They can go to normal schools, or special schools, go to movies and malls. It is our duty, all of us, to not behave strangely as if they are not one of us. Being compassionate, and treating them like you’d treat any other person around you is the nicest thing you can do for them.
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