e them and then turns his fingers like locking his lips with a key.“What?! Are you telling me to be quiet? Where did you learn that?” I screech, shocked.
“Sshhhh” he whispers, and I do as I’m told.
I take a swing at the target on our Wii, and again slowly, and again, and finally I get a score bigger than 2.
Actually, I hit the target 10 times.
“You needed to be patient.” X says.
Wow. My child. Exemplifying patience. Where did this come from?
I’ve searched far and low, over the mountain and through the woods, to fi
nd a practitioner that could help my son integrate what he learns in therapy into life.I’m a dynamics person. I’m a big picture type of girl. I understand that what is spoken of in one hour during a therapy session can easily be lost in the next 23 hours of that very same day if everyone involved is not on the very same page, and possibly, the very same line of that very same page.
But damn, I hadn’t been able to find one of those people. You know, one that agreed and wanted to work within a family to restructure the DYNAMICS that are contributing to coping problems.
The idea sounded like common sense to me, but family dynamics are one of those illusive things, like mythological creatures, like celebrities or models, that people talk about all the time, but rarely encounter or address.
I wanted our dynamics addressed, and I found a person and group I think can.
The person is Al and in his spare time he has created T.R.A.I.L or Therapeutic Recreation and Interventional Learning.
I love this program. I love the theory. I love the dynamics. Check it out at trail4kids.org
X is starting adaptive aquatics today (swimming). The description for this event: Swimming provides a variety of therapeutic benefits to children without even realizing they are doing any work! Warm water has a relaxing effect on muscles, which makes it easier to move. In addition, while in the water, children with physical challenges are able to move without the natural pull of gravity. Increased circulation, breathing capacity, and improved range of muscle movement are some of the many benefits of this activity.
Even better, what makes this program truly successful is the creativity and life experience of the founder, Al, and board.
Here is Al’s online resume: Al has been committed to improving the lives of special needs individuals his entire life. As an older sibling to a brother with Down’s syndrome, Al grew up seeing firsthand the opportunities that were denied to his brother due to his disability. He was trained in the Army as a psychiatric technician, behavioral specialist, and occupational therapist, and has been employed as Motor Skills Specialist for the special needs students enrolled in the Fall Mountain Regional School District for 10 years. Al brings to TRAIL extensive knowledge and experience in working with special needs children; in particular, the effects of
their disabilities on their gross and fine motor function. His skills include sign language and aptitude in all of the recreational activities offered through TRAIL. Al is also the Local Program Coordinator for Fall Mountain Special Olympics, and serves as Head Coach in soccer, floor hockey, alpine skiing, weightlifting, swimming, and track & field events.If this doesn’t convince you, let me. I worked with TRAIL when I was 19 years old. I started working as a behavioral interventionist in VT immediately after I graduated from high school . I quickly moved to the Fall Mt. School District which introduced me to TRAIL.
I loved this program before I ever had a child.
I never thought I would have a child that would use it. Ironic isn’t it?
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