Ivan’s Journey (Autism)

Learning to speak, express affection and his emotions at age 8

During Ivan’s birth, labor was long and difficult for his mom. At two weeks, little Ivan was a colicky baby, had constipation, and cried all the time. This lasted until he was a little more than 5 months of age. Mom also noticed that her son had a weak muscle tone from birth, which lasted the first four years of his life. By 2 years of age, he had stopped speaking and did not like playing with his toys anymore. He began to bang his toys and would stare out of the window for hours. His condition was diagnosed as early infant autism.

Ivan was 7 years old when his mother took the Doman Method® Course: From Special Needs to Wellness. At the time, Ivan had many auditory and tactile sensitivities. Often, he would scratch his ears until they bled. He was so bothered by the sense of touch that he would keep taking off his clothes at home. He could not sleep well at night, and he was very hyperactive. Soon after graduating from the course, Ivan’s mom implemented the nutrition program as per the guidelines of the Doman Method®. Parents also started an organized plan of respiration, reading, and sensory programs along with crawling, creeping, and patterning.

The family attended an Initial Visit with Doman International within 5 months of starting the program. At his first evaluation, Ivan demonstrated his ability to read! More so, Ivan was starting to speak his first words of speech. The Doman Method® Sensory Programs helped Ivan greatly and he no longer felt the urge to scratch himself. He also began to sleep through the night.

Ivan’s mother wrote to us that Ivan’s hypersensitivity to touch has improved greatly. Before he used to constantly put objects in his mouth, he has now stopped licking and gnawing on objects. He responds appropriately to sensations of hot and cold and has begun to put on his clothes at home all by himself. He doesn’t take them off anymore! Mom is able to take him to public places, stand in line at the store, and ride public transport with him without any problem.

Ivan is able to demonstrate his emotions better with his facial expressions and is starting to say even more words. He is able to have tears in his eyes when he feels sad, which his mom shared, is for the first time in his eight years of life. He is making more eye contact and looks at the camera when getting his pictures taken. He likes spending time with his sister and they enjoy watching cartoons together.

Staying at home now during the self-quarantine, mom was jubilant to hear Ivan say the word “love” three times on the same day, loudly and clearly! His aggressive behaviors have completely resolved. He is now able to show kind affection toward his family. Mom loves his kisses!

We congratulate Ivan and his family and wish them continued success!