When Tim and his mom came to me it was very sad to hear the stories and background of Tim’s life. He has in the past lived with a lot of pain and trauma. Tim is 13 yrs old and was born with Down Syndrome. His father instead of embracing Tim, in all that he is and can be, rejected him. Luckily for Tim, and his supporting and incredibly loving mum, Tim’s father is no longer around which is a good thing as often told Tim that he wasn’t capable of doing much. His father was very negative and treated him poorly. I worked on encouraging Tim to focus on what he does really well and it was rewarding and exceptionally beneficial. We avoided the word ‘can’t’ and focused on the word ‘can’. ‘Yes’, you can get in the hammock, play and fly like a bird,” or, ‘yes’, you are amazing and talented.
It is imperative in working with children with special needs that we look to changing the way we all speak, with positive affirmations and encouragement. I find this really important when I work with my clients whether young children or adults with disabilities that everyone is encouraged and capable of doing so much more. Even those who have minimal functioning abilities can understand positive and simple messages. It is crucial for those who work with children and adults with disabilities that they are seen as people first and not their conditions.
Tim is a unique soul and I love our time together and often to see and understand his world from his eyes, I choose to go into his world with his permission of course. Tim loves everyone and thinks everyone is nice, kind and loving. If only this was true as what an incredible world would this place be. Sadly at times, this is not how life is. Tim has a 6-year-old mind living in a 13-year-old body.
The first step when he arrived at Vibes Studio was to make him feel comfortable and assess where he was at. At each session, there is a different challenge. Some days his intellectual disability is apparent, while other days he is like a child full of awe and wonder. It also helps to know that most people who have Down syndrome can flourish and live healthy, happy, and productive lives like anyone else.
Tim loves working with weights, balance work on Bosu, body blade & interval work, games related to various exercises in the studio, like scooter boards, cones, balls, etc. His reward is the Antigavtiy yoga. His favourite poses are monkey in a tree, womb, cocoon, and vampire. His goal is to be able to do cowboy flips without my help.Tim now has more confidence and a sense of purpose as I give him homework to do at home. He is so much
Tim now has more confidence and a sense of purpose as I give him homework to do at home. He is so much more happier and gives the best hugs and is so full of love. I often tear up as feel moved and blessed to be working with him. Tim is much happier now and has less pain in his body as the exercise sessions have oxygenated his blood and body increasing his energy and reducing pain. His mental health has improved 100% and even cries if he misses a session.
Occasionally he can’t it to the session due to carers not available, or family not being able to get him here. Often when he can’t come I’ll end up chatting to him on the phone reassuring him that he will be coming again soon. He is getting used to the deep tissues massage in the hammocks as I have explained it is good for him to release the tension and be free in his body.
My work is rewarding and love seeing the changes in my clients.
