Learning Ladders

I am so deliriously happy to be able to convey this next piece of news.

Jeff and I attended the 1^st meeting of Learning Ladders, a society for early intervention for autism and other developmental and learning disabilities, a non-profit organization whose mission is to: [this is quoted from their brochure]

Help in connecting families with qualified and experienced professionals ;

Offer assistance with the provision of Home-based Therapy using scientifically proved methodologies;

Provide information, resources and support to families affected by autism and other developmental disorders

Educate parents, carers and the general public on Autism and Other Developmental Learning Disabilities

And as you can see from the first letter of each line above, joining this society is also giving Jeff and me much hope in the road of recovery for our dear Raiyan.

After joining the society, the first step we are taking is have Raiyan get a proper and informed diagnosis from a child psychologist with the Intervention Services for Autism and Development Delay (ISAAD) who is based in Perth, Australia. When I was saying Raiyan was diagnosed recently, technically speaking, we merely got the professional opinion of the Applied Behavioural Analyst but not a formal diagnosis as this can only be done by a child psychologist who will in turn write a very detailed report breaking down the strengths and weaknesses of the individual child. Recommendations are also given to the parents on what the best treatment would be, catering specifically for that individual child.

So basically Learning Ladders has arranged for this child psychologist to come to Brunei who will be here from tomorrow for 9 days. Anyone reading this and interested to get an appointment, please do not hesitate to email me for more details and I will be MORE than happy to direct you to Sharina or Linda, the President and Vice-President of Learning Ladders.

Even within the discussions of the society this afternoon, it could not be stressed enough as to how important it is to get an early diagnosis (and a PROPER diagnosis which unfortunately you are not able to obtain in Brunei otherwise) so we are highly grateful and eternally indebted to Learning Ladders to help arrange for ISADD to come over here and provide their services. Don't worry however if you are not able to do this now as Learning Ladders are planning for ISADD to come here 3 times annually, so they will hopefully be coming back in 4 months time.

To Sharina and Linda, if you are reading this, thank you so much for pioneering this much needed group. Jeff and I were so inspired to hear the progress stories of your children and was so in awe of your dedication and highly positive outlook into the future of your children. We are also so amazed with how much information there is out there on autism that you shared with us.

Seeing you guys have only motivated me to strive harder to disseminate as much information as I can to provide more awareness on this rising epidemic.