Finding Herself Again: The Mom

Chandni wanted to teach Ria how to cycle, but Ria was having difficulty in doing so. Komal suggested getting a brick, so that Ria could practise cycling while the cycle was stationary. Ria practised for a week, and picked up cycling.

Ria loved swings. Komal explained swinging met her proprioceptive need, her need for movement. She suggested swinging and sensory stimulation everyday, to keep Ria calm. Chandni would notice the difference in Ria’s behaviour on the days when Ria wasn’t able to go to the park, or feel kidney beans, etc.

Gradually, as Ria did better in Komal’s sessions, Komal suggested that group therapy would be enough. Ria was now five, and needed to learn more social skills, which was only possible in a group.

Komal had started a school for autistic children. Komal’s other clients would meet at her school for group therapy. Ria too played catch with them, peeled peas with them, and sang songs.

“Ria will stay at home when she grows up,” said her five year old twin one day.

“Why?” asked Chandni, puzzled.

“Girls don’t work,” he said matter-of-factly. “They cook and look after the house.”

Aghast, Chandni listed all her friends who were working, said she had worked before they were born, and that she needed to be at home to pick them up when the school van dropped them at the society gate in the afternoon.

The children listened, but were unconvinced.

Now that the children were five, and in school till 2:30 PM, the days stretched out before Chandni. She applied for jobs, and got a remote position on contract with a large Indian company.

She enjoyed working after five years, and talking to people aside from her family.

Her children were interested in her work and would perch on either side of her, on the sofa, when she attended meetings. Although Chandni often worked for a couple of hours early morning, so that she could finish work by 5:30 PM and take the children to the garden, she was happy.

To be continued...

This post is a part of Blogchatter A2Z.