Dealing with Intellectual Disability

When a parent is faced with the realization that his or her child has special needs, one would have a multitude of emotions. Instant reaction is shock, sadness, anger, sometimes in denial, pain, and worry. My Nukie doesn't look like he is special. He looks like a normal boy, as you can see in this picture. But if you talk to him, observe him and spend time with him, you'll find some of his characteristics are just out of the "norm." While I am also noticing different actuations, I was still in denial that Nukh had issues that needed to be addressed. To me, he was just a boy who had slow developments and I know it would eventually be ok.

After gathering the courage and upon the recommendation of his "big school", Holy Rosary Academy during his Prep year, we transferred him to ARE Playschool, a smaller school. And we were also advised to seek the assessment of a Developmental Paediatrician. We went to Dra. Cielo Malijan. After an hour of tests, imagine the shock when I learned that Nukie has Broad Spectrum Autism. While I didn't feel really good after hearing it, I have already prepared myself for that meeting and it didn't really take a long time before I finally accepted the findings. Dra. Malijan immediately recommended for Nukh to undergo occupational therapy weekly.

After about 8 months of taking occupational therapy, we went back to Dra. Malijan for another consultation. This time, she recommended occupational therapy twice a week, and to start speech therapy as there are already signs of improvement. I won't enumerate all the changes, but I know that from the time we entered Dra. Malijan's clinic, he has significantly improved his discipline. It's not abrupt. But small, slow changes excited us and made us more inspired to push with Nukh's therapies.

After Nukh graduated at ARE Playschool, we transferred him to Las Pinas Montessori School, and yet I was faced with another sort-of "bad news". Nukh won't be accelerating to Grade school yet. He was placed in Juniors class, wherein he will be given one-on-one lessons with other SPED students. But I am very thankful this the decision of the school because I felt he really needed more attention in class. As he continued his occupational therapy and speech therapy, it was also noted that he needed behavior modification therapy.

My family is also a key player in Nukh's improvement. While I have to admit that it's really hard to be consistent, we really do our best to do our part in ensuring Nukh's improvement in education and with his behavior. Now, we can bring him to the mall without much distractions on his part. We are even able to take him to mass now. Weee! :)

According to Dra. Malijan, the findings can still change. But as it is, the team that works together to help Nukh improve works non-stop.

Like his other sisters (blame it on the genes - ahem!), Nukh is a fantastic dancer. And he can carry a tune. He's really awesome with computers and Lego blocks. He's very sweet and kind, and obedient at times. We love him dearly, and we consider him our biggest blessing and our lucky charm. :)