Pseudonym of Child: Alex
Diagnosis: Cerebral Palsy and William Syndrome
Alex is a friendly, eager-to-learn boy with an infectious smile and a love for spending time with his friends. He is always excited to be in class, interacting with his classmates and engaging in play. Yet, Alex’s journey is not like everyone else’s. He lives with Cerebral Palsy and Williams Syndrome, both of which present unique challenges that many children his age do not face. Nonetheless, we believe that Alex should still have the opportunities to grow and connect with others.
Remarkable Resilience in the Face of Challenges
From the moment Alex came to school, he has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of his challenges. His attention span is a hurdle, often distracted by his surroundings or overwhelmed by instructions. Simple tasks that most children would breeze through were monumental for him. Alex struggled to focus on what the teacher was asking, often looking at the teacher but not at the material. Physically, he was also prone to frequent falls due to his medical condition, sometimes falling every few steps.
At times, Alex’s frustration was evident, but not always in words—he would express it by bumping his head or using his hands. With patience, encouragement, and repetition, Alex has begun to learn how to navigate these hurdles.
Education Support Programme: Personalised Support in the Classroom
The Education Support Teacher (EST) has played a vital role in helping Alex focus and understand what’s being asked of him. By breaking down instructions into smaller, manageable steps, Alex was able to grasp more complex ideas. For example, in his Chinese lessons, Alex initially struggled to connect with the material. He did not immediately recognise the images or words, but his teacher began to use visual aids that paired pictures with both English and Chinese translations. Slowly but surely, Alex started to recognise and understand the lessons.
Then came a glimmer moment: Alex surprised everyone by repeating the English names of objects in Mandarin. This may seem like an insignificant victory, but in Alex’s world, it is a monumental achievement in his learning journey worth celebrating.
Building Confidence Beyond the Classroom
Beyond the classroom, Alex has shown incredible resilience in his physical development. While outdoor playground time is often a highlight for children, it was initially a challenge for Alex. At first, he was hesitant and unsure of how to engage with the playground equipment. He would stand by and watch his friends, unsure how to join in. But with consistent encouragement, Alex began to conquer his fears.
He learned to climb the steps of the playground bridge, crossing it slowly and steadily, breaking down each movement step by step. Over time, he gained enough confidence to navigate the playground independently—learning how to go down the slide on his own. Where once he was reluctant to engage, Alex now plays with his peers, confident and ready to join in.
It has been a long journey for Alex—one that is fraught with countless moments of frustration, yes, but also encouragement and growth. He may not always run as fast as his friends or keep up with them immediately, but the important thing is that he now wants to be a part of their world. He reaches out to join in their games, his friends stopping to wait for him, walking together, playing together.
He may need a little extra time to reach the same milestones, and there are some milestones he may never reach, but with each step, Alex is growing stronger—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
It’s not just Alex who is learning from this experience—his classmates are also growing in kindness and empathy. They have learned to support him without treating him differently. They understand his needs and actively ask how they can help. When Alex falls, his classmates do not just help him up—they know that sometimes the best way to help is by informing the teacher or simply being there with him, offering support as he continues his journey.
Facing New Challenges Ahead
In spite of his growth, Alex continues to face challenges that many children do not. His fine motor skills are still developing, and while he can now write his name and engage in activities like Word Play, there are moments where the academic curriculum becomes a struggle. As the lessons grow harder and the pace of his peers accelerates, Alex faces more obstacles in keeping up. However, his perseverance remains unwavering.
Alex’s journey is one of perseverance, but it is also a journey of hope. With the continued support of his community, Alex will keep growing and glowing, one step at a time.
Donate to “A Christmas Story” today to help us ensure that Alex, and other children with additional needs, will have the opportunity to succeed. Your contribution will help Alex and other children like to gain access to additional learning tools and more support in school, and continues to grow and glow alongside their peers in a mainstream preschool environment. Most importantly, your support will help ensure that Alex remains an active and engaged part of his class, developing not only his academic skills but his confidence, independence, and friendships.
Special Gift for Donors: Donate $250 or more, and you’ll receive a customisable Little Olive Tree LEGO character—a special way to show your support for the children whose lives you’re helping change.
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