A.B.M – 4 weeks in USA
We finally made it to the end of our Intensive Treatment Therapy for Chiara in the U.S of A!
First and foremost, we would like to thank all the incredible people who helped us access this Neuro Movement therapy. We are so grateful for the ongoing support in helping Chiara reach her full potential.
A special mention to everyone who assisted with Chiara’s Fundraising event last year, as well as the amazing team at both The Australian Institutes of Hotel Engineers Victoria (AIHE) and Rotary of Donvale Warrandyte for their continued support.
Thank you also to Humitech. Work flexibility has been paramount for us, in order to provide Chiara with all the extra therapy she so needs. And to the rest of our beautiful family for their continued love and support.
Without all the collective help, none of this would be possible. Thank you everyone for believing in Chiara as much as we do ♥ ♥ ♥
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The past four weeks at The Anat Baniel Method (A.B.M) have been amazing. If you would like to learn more about this therapy – click here. You can also find more information from Norman Doidge’s website click here and also in his books The Brain That Changes Itself and The Brain’s Way Of Healing.
A.B.M’s gentle movements and The Nine Essentials are the framework they use, to provide transformational help for children with special needs to overcome their limitations.
There have been some magical moments watching Chiara in the lessons, where she held such deep concentration and connection to her entire body. Anyone who is in close contact with Chiara, knows how rigid her body can become from the quadraplegic cerebral palsy. After a few weeks of ABM we noticed how quickly her body relaxed, and the otherwise strong and constant tone, seemed almost non-existent. Extraordinary!
The practitioners are so highly skilled to be able to move Chiara’s body with such ease and grace. We had two lessons with Anat Baniel and the rest with her wonderful team, Chris, Sylvia, Neil and Michelle.
The learning that occurred during each lesson was palpable, watching little Chiara so determined and focused. It’s as if we could see her connecting the dots, becoming more aware of different parts of her body. It’s difficult to put into words, because a lot of the changes are so subtle, yet so important in order for her to continue to learn and develop.
For Mauro and I to witness Chiara receiving full range of movement was so incredibly rewarding. Then to see her actually enjoy the movement, was the icing on the cake! We have watched her endure so much physical discomfort ever since she was 10 days old, when the gruelling clubfoot treatment commenced. So this gentle approach was a warm welcome for Chiara.
The feedback from the practitioners working with Chiara was so positive. They mentioned that her spasticity was hugely reduced, with increased differentiation in the movements of her arms and legs. They also noted that she was able to fold much more easily and became a lot more vocal.
We look forward to posting more updates about our therapy block treatment in USA, as there is so much more to share.
Aside from the therapy, this trip has been both rewarding and extremely challenging!
Stay tuned to the ** USA uncut blog post ** where Mauro and I share the behind the scenes events, that include a rushed trip to the emergency department and many other heart-stopping moments. I guarantee you will both laugh and cry with this one!
Finally, to all families who care for children with extra needs, I salute you. As I watched different families walk though the door every week, I was often moved to tears. Children with immense challenges, that extend to the entire family. It’s not an easy road, and I hold such reverence for all the families I met, for their sheer humility, grace and perseverance.
May all our children reach their full potential and may all the parents, siblings, grandparents and extended family and friends each receive all the love, courage and support they need to continue on their brave journey.
All our love m, n, g & c xx
