“The only disability in life is a bad attitude.”

                – Scott Hamilton

Last few days have been a little difficult for my Little Miss. The rains and humidity usually bring about a bout of cold and flu with it so we had a tough time early this week. Cold brings about a level of irritability and anger in her that can put Mogambo to shame so you can assume how things get at home.

Before the cold and runny nose struck, we were having a usually normal time. The school is on second floor of the building and now Little Miss needs only a little help climbing up and down the stairs. This has been a major boost for me as a parent because I was worried she might not like the stairs. We rarely use stairs in our building, using elevators all the time.

The first day I kept thinking what of she has forgotten climbing up and down the stairs? What will I do then? I can hardly carry her one step, let alone two floors! But she did it. I always keep close, ready to help her in case she loses her balance but she is managing herself quite well.

A big reason for this is the occupational therapy she has received through the years. Her therapists used to work on her balance and coordination; she had to walk on inclines and steps.

A good part of her therapy includes maintaining balance on low and high areas and holding objects while walking which I believe has really helped her. Working on life skills with special needs children is never easy because a lot of days it will seem that there is no progress; sometimes the parents get impatient; the child doesn’t cooperate; but I have been very lucky to have found therapists who have been patient and have worked so hard with Little Miss.

She appears more confident with each passing day and I’m hopeful soon she will not need me hovering on the stairs with her.

“Everyone has a mountain to climb and autism has not been my mountain, it has been my opportunity for victory.”

                  – Rachel Barcellona