Impact of the training
Some feedback that came back to us following a recent training workshop reflected the impact and increase in knowledge that we had facilitated through this training. It is always encouraging to hear that the care workers are putting into practice what they have learnt. One caregiver from a local children's home in Yeoville was watching the therapist working with a group of children at the home. After watching the activity for a while, she asked "Does this activity develop fine motor skills?" and then with encouragement by the therapist she added a few other skills, learnt during the workshop that were being stimulated. This comment was encouraging and reflected the increase in her interest and baseline knowledge in the activities and toys and how this can therefore increase the level of stimulation the children are receiving.
A transformation
Little T was first seen in January 2011 at another children's home that Thusanani works in. Previously T had been diagnosed as being HIV positive and consequently suffered complications due to his low immunity. On initial assessment he was 20 months old and had just been discharged from hospital. T was an extremely lethargic and passive child who showed no desire to engage in play of any sort. Protests or cries for help were few and far between, and it was on rare occasions that T displayed any form of emotion or active attempts to communicate. Overall, T presented with low endurance, muscle strength and postural control as well as poor motivation. Even when encouraged, T would merely sit on the floor and observe his environment although there were many toys within his reach. Despite his age, he was only able to sit independently and showed no attempt to crawl, stand or walk. It was clear that T's health problems and hospitalization had caused a significant developmental delay.
Shortly after assessment T started to receive therapy twice a week at the home where muscle strength, transitional movements and normal development were the focus. T has been receiving therapy for 5 months now and is a completely different child!
He has now reached his crawling, standing and cruising milestones and is starting to walk with one hand facilitation. T displays active participation with objects as well as people in his environment and can often be seen smiling, giggling and babbling. Although he is still behind his age expected milestones, T has progressed tremendously and shows great potential to continue to do so. This case is one of many that shows just how beneficial adequate stimulation and intervention can be to a child's development!!
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