Physio is fun - Tália on her bike

As you know, I am a firm believer of making physio fun. Our therapist, Ana is incredible and always teaches me how to adapt everyday playthings into something that will both be fun for Tália and also give her the physio she needs. We had a tricycle from Imaginarium and she used to sit in it. For the most part, she was reactive. She would sit back, have a rest and let us take her for a ride. At first this was great, just having her hold herself up in the seat was a miracle. However, when Ana saw her, she showed us that by adding velcro to the pedals, or tying her feet on with a bit of ribbon, Tália would not only learn how to pedal but also get the full benefit of exercising whilst out for a walk. Also, she would become reactive andshe would be the one pedalling, holding on to the bars etc. As you can see in the clip below, I was just so excited to see her moving the pedals - also she touches the handle bars. Getting Tália to hold on to handle bars or handles is tough given her tactile defensiveness - she is over-sensitive to the feel of certain materials and things. However in this clip, she just looks like a typical toddler enjoying her cycle with her Dad!

Physio with Ana in San Pedro

Have a look at this video - Tália has com eon leaps and bounds and Ana is just fantastic - see her enthusiasm. She makes it so much fun, Tália just cant help but enjoy it.

Physio can be a fun Way of Life

One of the things that I have learnt is that physio needs to be built into your way of life and be fun. When it feels like work, Tália cries and doesnt get anywhere but when integrated to play or everyday routines, it just seems to work. For instance, Tália has hypersenitivity in her hands and dislikes holding onto and gripping things. However, take her to the park put her on a see-saw with her sister and she grips onto the metal bar. Put her on a swing and she holds onto the bar as you push her.

We have just had a lovely Easter Week. The weather has been glorious and we have had lots of time outdoors. Its been a long time since we've had a real day off just to have a nice lunch and long walk.

Tomorrow its back to routine again!!

Tália goes Horse Riding

Wow!! What a day - I took Tara and Tália to the Mijas Riding School and huge race course this morning. Ana, our physio strongly recommended that Tália start riding to improve her posture and strengthen her trunk. After a few tears at the start, she seemed to just take to it like a duck to water. It felt great. The instructers were so professional and loving towards Tália. Afterwards she seemed so stimulated and chatty. Tara was fantastic and really helped to make her sister comfortable. We are now going to go there weekly - I know, yet another car journey for me but alas she looks so happy and it seems to suit her temperament! I already feel her posture is better - or maybe I'm imagining it!!!!

Charged with Energy

Yesterday we went to see Amyn Dahya and his wonderful wife, Karima again. He said that although Tália had had a bad month in terms of her cold virus etc, that overall he saw an improvement in her. She has been looking better again, thank God. Amyn did a meditation and gave us some holy water. I left his place feeling positive.

Today Tália has had a good day so far. She had physio this morning and speech therapy. I tried not to get involved today - I sat in the room and watched but did not do much. Normally I interact a lot with Tália throughout physio; I sing songs, tell stories and feel a little like a juke box!! As of late though we have noticed that she plays up when I'm around, constantly moaning to me or looking for approval. By staying back a bit, she was better able to focus. So actually, it was very relaxing to take a back seat and watch the whole session from afar.

Back at home, Tália has been playing with her Xylophone and bouncing around with her aunty Susan and then at about 3ish she finally decided it was time for a snooze. I can hear her waking up now so I guess its time to sign off!