This is  Zidan from Barisal, my first AUA child. When first seen at the age of seven in 2006 he was totally nonverbal, always engrossed in playing with caps of ball point pens or tapping plastic bottles with his fingers. Over the years I have seen  Zidan regularly and depending on the stage of his development I have advised his parents accordingly. On my advice his mother provided  a structured  routine that included daily sensory therapy and one to one activities. He was admitted to school for the first time, again on my advice.

Zidan’s routine board at a consultation session

His mother worked in close liaison with his teachers. Both teachers and parents used visual supports eg.  a  routine board with photographs of his daily activities as well as photo flashcards. He began to utter a few words through his love of rhymes and songs. He responded very well to a special diet. His communication improved  steadily  and by the age of nine he was able to communicate his functional needs and was independent in most  self  help skills such as brushing his teeth, taking a bath and dressing  himself. He no longer required assistance with toilet skills. He loves going to school and is forging ahead with reading , writing and drawing. He still has a fascination for pen caps which I have suggested  can be used as a reward when he completes difficult tasks or for playing with to calm him when facing a stressful situation.

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