Objective hearing test and RDI

Alhamdulillah, Humaidi's objective hearing test in PPUM last Friday went well.
But not before he was subjected to some sleeping syrup. We tried to make him take the test without him taking the syrup, but he kept taking the wires out of his ears and he simply refused to sit still, making it impossible for the test to be conducted on him.

I dragged him to the paediatric clinic with a letter written by Puan Siti at Audiology Unit requesting for Humaidi to be given sleeping syrup. Had to weigh him (12.9 kg) and then waited for a while before a nurse appeared with a 20ml disposable syringe filled with 15 ml of chloralhydrate (or something like that - it can be difficult reading the doctor's writing sometimes).

Dragged Humaidi back to Audiology Unit where it was a lot more peaceful than the paediatric clinic. Made him sleep on his back on the couch in the wiating area, and together with Mira the helper, we forced the sleeping syrup on him. Mira held his hands and legs tightly while I pinched his nose so that he had to open his mouth. I think he managed to resist about 5ml by spitting the syrup out but the rest went down his throat anyway.

Lulled him to sleep and he went to sleep in less than 10 minutes. And stayed asleep for more than 2 hours. During which, an hour or so was used for the audiology test procedure.
Puan Siti explained stuff to a female Indian doctor who wanted to observe the whole procedure but unable to do so until then. Humaidi slept with test wires applied to various points on his forehead and near his ears. I was told that the results were quick, which was a good indicator that his hearing was okay and the final result of the objective hearing test confirmed that his hearing is within normal range.

So, next appointment will be on 9th February. Meanwhile, I'm doing some research on ASD. Went to my friend Yam's place on Sunday. Her second daughter, Aisyah, has autism, thus Yam and her family has gone through a lot in the past 8 years or so.

When I texted to ask what's her plan for the day since we were unsure what time we could reach Ampang, she wrote back, "I will plan my programs around yours."

We haven't seen each other in four years time but it sure didn't feel that way. It was good to note that her house is child-friendly - no carpet, no white upholstered sofa, no expensive but fragile looking house ornaments in view. With lots and lots and lots of toys for kids of different ages (Her eldest is turning 11 and youngest is slightly above 4) Her kids are so accepting of others. Khadijah Najwa, her eldest is good with the boys, and was especially fond of baby Haniyya. Iman, Yam's only boy, who is a couple of months younger than Huzaifah was keen to share his toys. It goes without saying that Huzaifah and Humaidi were estatic to play with Thomas the Tank Engine set (with a Thomas video playing on the DVD player). Aisyah was reserved, understandably so since kids with austism mostly prefer to keep to themselves.

Yam sends Aisyah to a government school which also provides special education. She wanted to send aisyah to a highly recommended school in Wangsa Maju, but the class there was full. So she send her daughter elsewhere, but not before she made personal inspections on school facilities from one school to another until she was satisfied. Beginning this year, she and her husband make further 'investment' by signing up for Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) therapy/program with a certified consultant. Which means, Aisyah goes to the government school twice a week and spend three other days for RDI therapy. And both the parents as well as the siblings are also involved in the RDI program.

Just before I left, Yam made me follow her (by car) to a book shop, Pustaka Rakyat. Apparently to pick up a copy of a book on RDI. "This is a must read," she handed it to me and refused to let me pay for it. "I have a lot more other books - but this is the best. I hope you can benefit from it. And mind you, it's not only for kids with autism..."

I know it's not confirmed yet, but if it's true that Humaidi has ASD, I hope at the very least, I'll have as much strength, courage, patience and love that Yam has.