Covid era was a very different time, unlike anything we had experienced. I was alone with the kids for about 5–6 months, in an unknown city, without any friends or family nearby.
During this time, I couldn’t provide Adi with any professional therapy. And though it wasn’t in my control, it bothered me a lot. I often felt like a failure for not being able to give him the basic help he needed.
As soon as the restrictions eased a little, I found a therapist online who was ready to come home and work with Adi. It felt like a big relief — he could get the professional therapy he needed, and I didn’t have to expose him to too many people.
After assessing him, she came up with a step-by-step plan. Sessions were planned for 3–4 days a week. Since I had always been his primary caregiver, I worried if he’d even stay in the room with a stranger or listen to anyone other than me.
But, as always, Adi surprised me. He adjusted so well. Within a couple of days, the moment he saw his therapist, his face would light up with a smile. He’d go sit on his chair, all ready for his session.
We started seeing positive changes within the first few months. We realised he was a fast learner — show him once, and he’d often get it the next time. But there was one rule with him: he couldn’t be forced into anything. He did things in his own time, in his own way. And we respected that.
Every small win was a celebration for us. What was “normal” for other kids wasn’t normal for Adi. He was different — and once we accepted that, everything started falling into place.
We learned that with patience and consistency, he could achieve so much. And we also realised that denial helped no one. It only kept him from getting the support he needed. That acceptance was our biggest breakthrough.
Parenting is never easy. With a special child, it comes with its own unique challenges. But what I’ve learned is this: it’s also a very special journey, not meant for everyone. Acceptance is the key. Patience, consistency, and unconditional love can create wonders.
Adi showed me that progress isn’t about ticking milestones on a chart. It’s about finding joy in the little steps. It’s not about doing things the way the world expects, but embracing the way he did them. It’s also about noticing and accepting every blessing with gratitude — the therapist who came home, the medicines that helped manage his seizures, the doctors who guided us, and all the little moments that made life brighter.
