Recorded on October 2022
Exploring the Challenges, Triumphs, and Daily Realities of Living with Autism Through the Eyes of Yen Tesoro
Introduction
In this episode , we are joined by Yen Tesoro, a devoted mother raising her autistic son, Isaiah. Yen shares her experiences, challenges, and triumphs, offering valuable insights into autism and the importance of support and understanding.
Isaiah’s Speech Development: A Pandemic Silver Lining
Isaiah, one of Yen’s three children, was nonverbal until the age of five. Surprisingly, it was the pandemic that catalyzed his speech development. With the entire family — a household of seven — at home, Isaiah began recognizing and naming colors, numbers, and objects in photos. Daily interactions and a supportive environment proved beneficial for Isaiah, showcasing the impact of familial presence on children with autism.
Overcoming Communication Barriers
Despite his impressive progress, Isaiah faces distinct communication challenges. He uses an iPad to type messages and enjoys watching videos with lyrics, reflecting his fascination with letters and words, a condition known as hyperlexia. His speech is characterized by a specific impediment; for instance, he pronounces “noodles” as “boodles” and “knock knock” as “bak bak.” Private speech therapy sessions, costing $130 per 30 minutes, have been instrumental, though costly, in aiding his communication.
The Power of Horse Riding
Intriguingly, Isaiah participates in the “Riding for the Disabled” program, which has shown promising results. Inspired by the book “The Horse Boy,” which talks about an autistic child’s improvement through horse riding, Yen enrolled Isaiah in the program. Over the past seven weeks, horseback riding has helped Isaiah communicate better, particularly learning to say “yes” and “no,” and even identify colors. This therapeutic activity serves as a testament to the unique and varied approaches needed in autism care.
Family as Pillars of Support
Yen’s journey underscores the importance of family. Her parents, living with them in New Zealand, provide significant support, especially her father who engages actively with Isaiah. This familial network becomes crucial, especially considering Yen’s mother’s health issues, including high blood pressure and dialysis. Despite these challenges, the family remains a tight-knit unit, navigating life’s hurdles together.
A New Zealand Journey: From the Philippines to Lower Hutt
Yen’s story also entails a rich tapestry of migration and career. Moving from Kalapan City, Philippines, to New Zealand in 2006 for international social work experience, Yen has worked with notable organizations such as World Vision and DSWD. After starting their family and living in Auckland for four years, they later moved to the South Island for her husband’s job. It is here, amidst these transitions, that Isaiah was diagnosed with autism, marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with proactive support and care.
Educational Support and Beyond
Education plays a critical role in Isaiah’s development. He benefits from a teacher aide at school and support from a Resource Teacher: Learning and Behavioral (RTLB) from the Ministry of Education. They regularly set up and review Individual Education Plans (IEP) to ensure his growth is aligned with his unique needs. Family support extends beyond education — weekly meetups with other Filipino families with autistic children provide emotional sustenance and resource sharing, underpinning a community of mutual aid.
Living with Sensory Sensitivities
Sensory issues are a prominent part of Isaiah’s life. He experiences discomfort with bright lights and noise, utilizing noise-canceling devices provided by the school and funded by “Life Unlimited.” Activities like swimming, though met with some challenges, have shown remarkable progress. The family, conscious of environmental impacts, opts for cloth nappies, reflecting their proactive approach to both caregiving and ecological responsibility.
Cultural Context and Emotional Resilience
Woven into this journey are lessons of patience and resilience, qualities enhanced by cultural nuances. Yen and the host, Jasil Cajes, discuss the Filipino cultural tendencies and their implications. Through her professional experiences and personal journey, Yen highlights the significance of not judging others and maintaining a calm demeanor, crucial in nurturing a child on the autism spectrum.
Conclusion
In facing autism, Yen Tesoro’s story is one of unwavering dedication, adaptability, and the embrace of small victories. It’s a journey filled with trials yet illuminated by triumphs, underscoring the importance of a supportive environment, varied therapeutic approaches, and community. Through Yen’s narrative, “Kultura” offers a profound understanding of navigating life with autism, resonating deeply with listeners.
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