Training benefits children straight away

We are delighted that, with your help, the lead therapist at our Moldovan partner, Rain Kids, has been able to start her studies to develop her skills in working with autistic children.  A particular focus of Ana’s traininng has been early intervention with young children aged between 12 and 48 months.  We all know how vital these early years are for child development.  Providing early support can make a great difference to an autistic child’s communication skills, their behaviour and relationships in the family.  Rain Kids are finding that more families are coming to them with their concerns at this early stage, so it is very positive that our colleagues now feel better equipped to help them.

The method that Ana has been using teaches through play in a natural environment.  She has made a gentle start, offering therapy three times a week to two children.  Ana has used activities she has learned on her course to work with them on using simple words, making eye contact, and joining in group activities.  She has seen a significant improvement in all these areas.  She has learned the importance of continuously monitoring the children’s progress and adapting their plans as they learn.  This makes sure that her therapy sessions are completely personalised and aimed at meeting the specific needs of each child. 

Ana has also been involving the parents in the therapy, since it is most effective if parents also use the approach at home.  She has learned that motivating parents is easier if they are involved from the beginning.  Those who are engaged are very positive about the benefits that the therapy has brought their children.

Following this positive start, Rain Kids are keen to offer this service to more children.  With this aim in mind, Ana is passing on the skills that she has learned on her course to the other staff.  We are excited to see how their services develop as Ana continues her studies.