When we observe a child and how he or she is gaining new skills, sometimes we would like their development to be faster, more efficient and more even. And although we can improve and support some things, we can rarely speed them up.
We need time to achieve certain goals. What’s more, as one of our physiotherapists – Paulina Krystosiak – says – sometimes, to take a step forward, we must first let go or take a break. This issue of expectations, letting go and breaks is extremely important in development. In his process, it is natural that there will be times more difficult when we want to give up because we don’t see the results as quickly as we would like. Sometimes it can even lead to regression, which is a test of patience and perseverance. Usually, however, after difficult moments, the desired success comes, we do not one but several steps ahead and we can celebrate what we have achieved. In times of discouragement and doubt, let us remind ourselves of what the child has already achieved and what progress it has made. It may be helpful to prepare a commemorative photo album that will act as a chronicle of development. Such an album will also motivate the child to act, as it will have tangible evidence that he is still developing, although sometimes it can be difficult.
Each child develops at its own pace. There are, of course, developmental norms, but the ranges are usually so wide that it is okay for one child to reach skill at 10 months of age and another at 18 months of age. What about children who have a disability develop more slowly or less typically? It is obvious to the parents of our little patients that children with disabilities sometimes develop differently or at a different pace, but the process is ongoing. Hence, such an important role is played by supporting development with the help of various forms of therapy.
Parents sometimes point out that people from the extended family or outside of it want to help disabled children in their daily duties. They also want to compensate them for what they think their children are losing with lots of gifts and gadgets. Both parents and our patients tell us that they would like not to be treated under special conditions. They want to enjoy and enjoy life on the same terms as everyone else. Of course, it turns out that it is necessary to adjust the environment in such a way that everyday functioning is possible. This does not mean, however, that children should do what they could and would like to do on their own.
Equal opportunities include treating people fairly and without prejudice and creating living conditions that encourage independence and protect human dignity.
Everyone has the right to develop, learn and discover the world. As human beings, we also need human contact. We see every day how important this becomes for the children who go to our Institute. They want to play together and talk to other children and adults. Due to certain difficulties or limitations related to independent movement, this social aspect is sometimes somewhat difficult, but with the support of caregivers, providing children with free play and meetings with children is possible and beneficial from the perspective of the child’s development.
To support a child as effectively as possible, a holistic developmental diagnosis may sometimes be necessary. When we are concerned about some aspect of development or we notice some difficulties in the functioning of the child, it is worth visiting a psychological and pedagogical counseling center in order to make such a diagnosis. Parents sometimes fear that they will receive a document with which they will not agree or that the diagnosis will affect the future life of the child or family. The diagnosis itself, however, does not affect the child’s functioning. It is still as it was. However, what a positive diagnosis brings is the knowledge in which direction it is worth going and how to support the child so that it develops as well as possible and has equal opportunities. Knowledge is an effective weapon in the fight against helplessness.
