Early intervention - A mother's perspective - by Dr. Nidhi Mahajan

My journey as a mother with a child diagnosed with autism has been a rollercoaster ride, filled with ups and downs, but early intervention has been the guiding light that has transformed our lives. When my little one was around two and a half years old, I began to worry about his development. He wasn't hitting important milestones like speaking a few words, making eye contact or interacting with others.

During that time, our son's nursery had a shadow teacher, who was accompanied by a child diagnosed with hyperactivity. This teacher suggested that we consult a psychiatrist to explore our son's needs further. Following a comprehensive evaluation, our child was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. The psychiatrist recommended an early intervention program, which became our beacon of hope.

Determined to find the best resources for our child, my husband and I embarked on a quest to seek professional help. After extensive research, we enrolled our son in an early intervention program at the American Center for Special Ability. Little did we know then just how crucial this decision would be for his future.

The early stages of our intervention journey involved implementing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and speech therapy sessions three times a week. However, it wasn't an easy road for us. Financially, the strain was immense, and I often found myself emotionally drained. There were countless nights when my heart ached, fearing that I might never hear the endearing word "mom" from my child. But then, after just one month of ABA and speech therapy, a breakthrough occurred. I will never forget the moment when I heard my son utter his first word – "Star." Tears of joy streamed down my face, and for the first time in a long while, they were tears of triumph and happiness. It was a testament to the power of early intervention.

ABA played a pivotal role in transforming my child's behaviour. Gone were the days of having to drag him into therapy rooms, accompanied by his resistance in the form of shouting, screaming, and even lying on the floor. Instead, he learned to sit calmly on a chair with his table set in a corner, fully engaged in his intensive ABA sessions. It was a remarkable journey of progress, from the struggle to success. Speech therapy, incorporating the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), also played an instrumental role in expanding my child's vocabulary and helping him express his needs and desires more effectively. I marvelled at his growth and the incredible strides he was making with each passing day.

Throughout the year-long early intervention program, which encompassed ABA, speech, and occupational therapy, I witnessed my child blossom before my eyes. The support and guidance provided by the professionals involved were invaluable. Today, my son is a proud student in grade 6 at Mayoor Private School, where the Inclusion team collaborates with subject teachers, parents, and shadow teachers to create Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) and a comfortable learning environment tailored to his unique needs.

After making significant strides on our journey, we have come to a juncture where resuming therapy has become necessary to address my son's current needs to ensure his continued progress. The importance of early intervention, has been the cornerstone of my child's development, giving him the tools and support he needed to thrive. For any parent facing a similar situation, I wholeheartedly encourage you to explore early intervention options. It may feel daunting, but trust me when I say that it has the power to shape your child's future in ways you never thought possible.