As parents of autistic children, we try our best in gaining knowledge from various sources. I did the same but I was not so systematic in how exactly to follow them in a proper schedule or routine.
Then I came in contact with Mitul Mam in 2023 when I did Avaz Parent training part 1, where I learnt how wonderful Avaz is used in expressing our children needs n wants so I started 1:1 session with mam.
But I was also in need for dealing with other problems, behaviors, ADL issues, special education as we need to work on everything simultaneously.
I contacted Mam & got Shaurya's Functional Assessment done. Mitul mam made a wonderful IEP for Shaurya which included all above aspects & suggested various other tools like DL (Digital Literacy). I was unaware of DL & could not even think of introducing it to Shaurya as I was of the opinion that DL could be done by kids/individuals who are at a much higher-level education wise. So, we started with Shaurya's IEP in Sep 2023. We used to have 1:1 Avaz sessions & 1:1 DL sessions. We literally started from scratch with Shaurya but Mitul mam has always been guiding me, providing solutions when I am stuck. Always being there in responding so promptly.
My first major breakthrough was limiting my son's screen time from 4 to 5 hrs a day to just 1 hr. Mam suggested how to do that. Initially we had tantrums but mam said to be consistent n patient n then we achieved it. In fact, Mitul mam advised to give him screen in the evening as a reward after finishing all day's activities and we still stick to this.
Mitul mam has been there to listen to the smallest of questions n queries I had in my IEP. I hired someone to be with Shaurya in afternoon on her advice so that this time is utilized productively
Mitul mam also provided with so many resources on iPad which are fun n educative n can be seen in free time. Mam taught me how to make social stories for all behavior challenges we faced.
She goes out of the way to make sure that IEP given by her is not just another paperwork but it’s a tool to make useful improvements in the quality of our children's life especially Avaz in which Shaurya has now started taking interest in using it to tell about his needs.
In our DL class too Mitul mam n Shilpee mam always believed that Shaurya will be able to use mouse independently which I never imagined. They Always said to keep practicing consistently. Now Shaurya can use mouse for dot joining games n bubble game by himself.
All thanks to Mitul mam n Shilpee mam. Both always motivate me n give example of other kids n even their own kids. We even had assessments in Avaz n DL after 6 months n could easily see the progress made. I can confidently say that it’s been 7 months now when we started Shaurya’s IEP n we have definitely moved forward. All those who know Shaurya can tell the difference.
I know it’s a long journey but when u have pillars like Mitul mam n Shilpee mam on your side you can always dream to think big for your children.