Non-Traditional Therapies

We tried this form of therapy when he was about 15 months old. But it was not very useful and so we decided to pursue it later. In 2006 we did Music therapy again. Ishan liked it, but it was cost prohibitive so we temporarily suspended it.

Ishan had this form of therapy for almost two years (2003-2005). He loved it and we have seen lots of changes because of it. His muscles are much more looser and we have also seen an increase in vocalization. His horses name was Bonnie. Now due to distance and cost issues we haven't been doing this form of therapy.

I was inspired to try this method after reading Sonia Sumar’s book, Yoga for the special child. He did undergo yoga therapy for about one year (2003-2004). Due to insurance issues we couldn't get him regular physical therapy so we opted for other non-traditional methods. It did help make his muscles less tight.

This involves the use of herbs, oils and massage. We tried several of the oral herbal medications under the supervision of an Ayurvedic Doctor. But we did not see any significant changes. Some of the medication was for constipation, digestion, increasing appetite and energy. On the other hand, the therapeutic massages definitely made a difference. Ishan underwent oil massage from a professional for 21 days. The therapist used special types of oil. We saw a definite suppleness in muscle tone and Ishan was not as tight as he used to be. We continued massage therapy until he was 2 ½ years old. (We discontinued it because he no longer enjoyed this form of therapy)

Water therapy was also helpful as Ishan did not have to bear his own weight. He was able to take part in about 5 to 6 sessions of aqua therapy. Due to insurance issues we had to discontinue this form of therapy (this was in 2003). In 2008, Ishan is back into the water.

This is an intensive physical therapy program. We did it for 3 weeks 2.5 hrs a day (Summer 2008). I don't think the suit itself had any major effect on Ishan, but the intensive physical therapy certainly helped. He started walking really well in his walker and his legs were so much more looser.