Many inspiring stories about extraordinary special needs individuals have featured going against long odds. Whether it was surviving early childhood, attaining crucial communication and intellectual milestones, or graduating college, beating these odds and going beyond expectations is a recurring theme.
This lesson should still apply even in challenges such as immunity.
It is no secret that many children with special needs have some form of immune deficiency. And in the present crisis, that is certainly a frightening thought.
On the other hand, the same principle of beating challenging odds hasn’t changed. Families will find their best chances by improving their children’s immunity bit by bit.
It may not seem intuitive, but it is really the best thing to do compared to simply waiting for miracle cures, or speedy vaccines. Such things take time, and there are still other ways you can help boost immunity even if it appears to be a band-aid solution. Every bit helps.
In fact, consider the following:
The connection between stress and immunity is fairly common knowledge now. And given the type of stress responses found in special needs children, this has also shed some light on their immune deficiencies.
On the bright side, stress can still be managed even if a child has, say, autism or ADHD. It is all a matter of how well parents can understand where a child’s anxieties are coming from, giving them a sense of security and stability, as well as minimising triggers.
The study of stress’s effects on immune deficiency has also led to more research on the dynamic relationship between the body and the brain.. After all, they are both constantly working with each other.
It makes senses that whatever the brain does will affect the way the body maintains itself. That is why exercising the brain and the body can be another effective way of boosting immunity and can help even a special needs child maintain a state of great health.
For example, improving sensory integration can make it easier for a child to eat different types of food and have a healthier diet.
Why is hand washing important? That is because our hands are constantly in contact with many surfaces that contain germs. And even before germ theory was widely accepted, we had medical heroes like Florence Nightingale who strongly affirmed the importance of hygiene and sanitation to drastically reduce the spread of disease.
This is but one of the many ways the small things we do contribute greatly to the health of everyone in our homes. While it is right to worry about how a neurodiverse condition makes a child vulnerable, you are well within your power to reduce those risks by simply keeping your home clean.
One of the most regrettable developments during the present crisis is how it has caused people to look for shortcuts or magic bullet solutions. On the other hand, those who have overcome the challenges of being special needs individuals will always tell you that the best answers are found by taking things one step at a time.
For immunity, it is no different.
If you need any advice or support, then know that we at the Australian Tomatis Method are still here to help you. Please reach out if you need to, either by email at info@tomatis.com.au or by phone to Francoise at 0414 444 915.
Official Representative of Tomatis Developpement SA in Australia, Asia and South Pacific, Director of the Australian Tomatis® Method, Registered Psychologist, Certified Tomatis® Consultant Senior, Tomatis® International Trainer and Speaker, Co-author of the Listening Journey Series, 40 Years of Experience, Neurodiversity Speaker
