Suraj S: Harsimran’s Journey of Courage and Transformation 🌟

When Harsimran was 4 years old, his father grew concerned about his inappropriate behavior and posture. Harsimran’s hands would bend towards his mouth and mold to his chest, possibly due to weak backbone muscles causing poor posture.

Harsimran did not speak like other children his age. Initially, the family thought he was just reserved and didn’t like talking to people. His aggressive behavior was misinterpreted as being spoiled due to excessive care and protection. He refused to follow instructions and sometimes hit others who tried to communicate with him.

As his behavior worsened, Harsimran began hitting and biting others, drooled excessively, and felt uncomfortable even around children his own age. Living in a nuclear family, his parents struggled to understand these cues and lacked proper guidance. They eventually stopped exposing him to new people, spending most time with his parents, involving him in household chores and visits to gurudwaras.

At age 5, after medical consultation, a psychologist diagnosed Harsimran with Intellectual Disability. Accepting this was difficult, but his parents decided to pursue therapy nearby. Despite several months, they saw no visible improvements. Harsimran remained withdrawn, rigid in behavior, and disconnected from others. His parents were stressed, especially with education starting soon, fearing to leave him alone at school.

One day, the Sarthak mobilization team reached out and invited the family to the nearest center. After a detailed case history, therapists recommended speech therapy, special education, and occupational therapy sessions. Parental counseling helped the family understand Harsimran’s condition and the importance of their role in his therapy.

Initially, Harsimran struggled at the center — he cried for nearly 30 minutes during sessions, threw objects violently, drooled excessively, and bit therapists who tried to engage with him. Due to his refusal to sit still, behavior therapy was started first to help improve his posture and readiness for occupational therapy.

After months of patient, persistent effort from therapists and family, progress has been remarkable. Harsimran now sits calmly and engages in activities alongside other children. Occupational therapy has improved his posture and stopped him from putting his hands in his mouth. Orofacial massage and speech therapy have helped reduce drooling and improve communication.

His special educator now works with him on foundational writing skills, and Harsimran is beginning to enjoy these sessions, showing signs of growth and hope for the future.