Have a Breakthrough for the children with Developmental Delays

Parents often feel at a loss when they first discover their children are having developmental delays. They face more hardships compared to other parents and they sometimes beat or blame their children - making the situation worse. Mrs Chan participated in the Barrier-free Learning Project organised by Haven of Hope K C Liang Po Lam Early Education & Training Centre (EETC), and overcame many difficulties. They found that both they themselves and their children experienced growth through the process.

Mrs Chan’s son, Chun Ho had not looked directly at people since he was one, seldom spoke and appeared to be obstinate. He was later diagnosed with autism. “Until he was diagnosed I was very anxious. Even more, I was frustrated and felt hopeless after attempting various ways to teach him but no improvement was shown, “says Mrs Chan.

“After I emigrated from China to Hong Kong, I was introduced to the Barrier-free Learning Project at EETC. During the group, I learnt that corporal punishment was not an appropriate way to rear children. Also, I had more understanding about Chun Ho’s ability. He was good at observation and imitation but weak in expression and comprehension.” She vividly remembers the first session of the group, Chun Ho was asked to strike a drum and introduce himself. He was extremely frightened, and screamed and wailed. Ms Chan of the centre invited his mother to demonstrate the task for him. He then felt comfortable enough to strike the drum and introduce himself; he became more and more active in the group.

“Chun Ho and I changed a lot after the group. I began to teach him gently and affirmatively than order him sternly. Consequently, he now shows a willingness to follow my instructions. I am so glad that he listens to me and is more considerate and willing to play with others now. I also learnt to control my emotion and to look at things from his perspective,” explains Mrs Chan.

Ms Chan, who is responsible for the project said the project is designed to mutually benefit and enrich the lives of both parents and children, “The aim of the project is not only to solve the children’s problem, but to facilitate parents’ understanding and acceptance of their children. Parents generally put great focus on the cognitive and language development and neglect their children’s other potential. However, with the adoption of the concept of multiple intelligences (multiple potential), every child’s individual potential can be developed, which can enhance the overall development of the child.” The programme teaches the parent to look at their children from different angles and to develop their potential through simple activities such as music, rhythm activities, making puppets and doing puzzles.

Parents have said that the project facilitates their children’s language abilities and enhances their learning motives. “One thing that touched me most was that the parents were committed to change for their children. They were putting extra efforts into their children and stepping ahead with their children optimistically,” Ms Chan says. She believes that while these families will continue to encounter difficulties their strong belief will allow them to lead promising lives. “From them, I have learnt to treasure each live and never to give up.”

If you want to help those children with developmental delays of the underprivileged families to have proper training, please support our “Barrier-free Learning Project”.

Remarks: For donation, please indicate to support the “Barrier-free Learning Project”. For Online Donation, please select “Rehabilitation Service” of “Donation Designation” and enter “Barrier-free Learning Project” in the “Designated Fundraising Event/ Programme” field.

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