Facebook上看到的，2.5岁0语言，确诊，现在在新加坡当完兵，21岁考上新加坡南洋理工大学，也就是新加坡的Top 2

照片一点都不挂相还很帅，大家可以看他妈妈的分享

https://www.facebook.com/freyalinzhiqi

First to NS, then to NTU.
Never in my wildest dream would I imagine that Joshua will be accepted into NTU because the image of a 2.5yo toddler banging his head on the table and sliding on the ground, as and when he wanted 18 years ago, is still vivid in my mind.
You see, Joshua was non-verbal then.  He was subsequently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
So how did a non-verbal kid grow up to be a highly functioning adult?  This is a story I want to share with all parents of ASD children.
One of the therapies to help these kids is Speech Therapy. Unlike normal kids who learn how to talk naturally, Joshua had to undergo training on how to pronounce each syllable of the 26 English letters first (Phonics). This happens once a week and a parent MUST attend.
One day, I innocently ask the therapist if Joshua will know how to talk after the treatment ended? She looked at me sharply and said NO.
"You think these sessions are for your son? These sessions are for YOU my dear. YOU, THE PARENT is supposed to learn from me and take it home to implement it with your son 24/7."
I woke up.
Since then, I implemented the flash card method with delayed gratification. Whenever he wanted something from me, I would flash out my cards and get him to make a sound. ANY SOUND. AS LONG AS HE OPENS HIS MOUTH (boy...it was a tug of war), before I gave him what he wanted. I did this at home and in public, to the stares of those not in the know.
Slowly, against his wishes, he started making noises. "Wa, Oo, Wee, Or, I, Ek, eh, Ek, ai, en". (1-10). Then he improved to sound like he had short tongue, before his muscle memory finally brushed up his enunciation. Within months, he spoke in single words. Within 1-2 years, he spoke in simple sentences.
The reasons why I want to share this with parents are:
#1. A child's window period where his neuroplasticity grows most rapidly is in the first 5 years. Hence please do not delay treatment and think they are just being slow. If it is delayed till they hit schooling age, it will be too late.
#2. I often hear parents complain that they send their children to speech therapist 4 times a week and see no improvement. Hence the therapists are "no good". The first question you need to ask is, has this therapy method been practiced at home by you too? I was lucky I had a straight talker to let me know.
It makes me feel sad when I see the opportunity is being wasted at home; or when parents throw their kids to maids. Recently, I saw a 10 yo girl being allowed to watch videos while she ate at a coffee shop, all the while being ignored by her parents.
It is sad, because mealtimes to me, is an opportunity for your children to improve their communication and social skills; to find out what's going on in their lives. And if they do not like to read, to share with them the latest news to pique their curiosity. I do not take mealtimes for granted. Such times are not meant to be wasted.
It's amazing how normal-talking children can be turned non-verbal by non-thinking parents. My experiences taught me not to take a child for granted. And I hope every parent is able to see how much potential a child can stretch, if only we know how to spend meaningful and goal-targeted time with them.
Each child of ASD is on a spectrum and exhibits different and unique challenges. Their functioning abilities differ too.  Maybe Joshua was already on the high functioning end but my hope for this post is on early intervention and participation from parents. Hopefully, it reaches someone in need of encouragement that all is not lost.
I wish all parents a fruitful and loving journey.
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修改:sdali FROM 27.125.156.*
FROM 27.125.156.*