Andreas: Help for Autistic Families in Slovakia

Physical Therapy is one of many services that we provide to children with autism in Autistic Center Andreas.

Magduška (Magdalena) is a rather energetic and communicative young lady. She is 28 years old and lives in her own world of poems, songs and fairytales. Moreover, she is not very fond of sports or any sort of physical exercise. Magduška does not have the best endurance, even though she is able to manage a three-hour walk in the rain.

We began our exercise with motivation. I promised to her that I will play her favourite song after every exercise and I kept my promise. Naturally, I was careful not to play any songs to her from the morning, in order to prevent oversaturation with music. The early stages were very difficult, Magduška did not know how to repeat exercises after me. It was necessary to demonstrate motion by guiding her own body while instructing her verbally.

For our therapy it was essential to design an obstacle course which would allow to exercise the whole body. I focused mainly on coordination, which was most challenging to Magduška and I adjusted all exercises to her abilities. However, the greatest issue appeared to be her mental concentration and fear.

Two months later

With regular exercise, individual and delicate approach we were able to proceed to higher difficulty exercises as well as to a great improvement in performance. Magduška surprised me with the focus and grace which she was able to tackle the course. Although physical exercise will likely never be her favourite activity, she was able to manage without resistance and complaints. Apart from providing a physical challenge, our therapy helped Magduška achieve a higher level of physical comfort and lower obsession with poems and songs.

I learned that during physical exercise I must not talk to Magduška about anything unrelated to the ongoing task. That I must not respond to any questions nor discuss what may occur later, which is Magduška’s habit. I made effort to guide her focus strictly on the exercise, and I believe that was the essence of our success.

Project For Parents Without Parents offers various leisure activities for children with autism. Our therapies come at a rate of €8,0 per hour. We look forward to seeing you.

Images           1. Swimming with our physiotherapist

                        2. Walking the stones

                        3. Test of flexibility

                        4. Logical challenge