One month was really short, but in that one month that I stayed in Singapore, I learned new things and heard about miracles.

Between the twins, Amor was much makulit because she was curious with the reactions of people on her actions. Tita Chris had some suggestions how to handle it. First, do not show big reactions because it will just make her repeat it. Second, tell Amor that I love her. Third, tickle her. Although this was not what most of the parents would do, I tried all of the suggestions and I found that tickling her was the most effective because it made the both of us laugh and it became somehow our playtime.

For Nathan, joining him (tapping the ball) was really important. The first time Tita Chris asked me if I wanted to play Son-Rise with Nathan, I got scared because I did not know how to join him the right way. So when I found Nathan alone, I practiced my joining skills! Hopefully it got better after my first time. After a lot of joining, I had short interactions with Nathan. And his smile, it was like an award for me every time he smiled at me.

But in that one month, I always admired Tita Chris and Tito Mike because they did not give up when the doctors said that there was no chance of recovery. They did not get tired of looking for ways to make the twins get better. They still wanted to share to everyone the Son-Rise program despite their busy schedule with work and with the kids. I would always admire their patience and attitude towards the children.

I do not know if I can be considered a volunteer for Nathan, but in those few sessions I had with him, it was very fulfilling to be able to be part of his miracle. And maybe by being a volunteer, the story of the miracle of Son-Rise program will spread.

1)      Special needs kids are different, each individual is unique. The approach in getting to know them will take a while, unless they consider you as their ‘friend’, then they can and will connect with you openly.

They excel in a specific skill. They have great minds, as long as we can identify what is it and nurture that skill.

2)      Before working with Nathan. or before Nathan allows me to work with him, I do not know how to communicate with him. This is where ‘joining’ came into play. As the sessions progress, I noticed Nathan really can communicate openly as long as he wanted to. (I also understand from Chris that its added effort for Nathan to open up) I interpret it as a muscle that he needs to flex to keep the connection open and that it can be trained with exercise. In our sessions, singing works, the sponge bob song surprised me, I forgot how we started, but it confirmed by belief that Nathan can connect when he wanted to.

3)      How will my experience with Nathan affect my next encounter…. All special needs kids have great potential. With the correct nurturing method, patience, and love, special needs kids can grow out of Autism.

When I first met Amor and Nathan at a pool party, I didn’t try to interact with them cause I don’t know how to connect with them…am clueless : )  After the Son Rise Program orientation, it gave me a better understanding of “special needs” and felt am better equipped to adapt to their “special” needs.  I’ve been a Son Rise volunteer for the past 5 weeks now.  I find it rewarding to be a Son Rise volunteer for Nathan and Amor cause it affirms my belief on the POWER OF LOVE.  LOVE gives us the ability to connect in a different level…it gives us the power to understand and adapt, and respond in a way that is nurturing than discouraging.  Nathan surprises me every week.  Am excited to see Nathan and Amor every week cause I know they are excited to see me too : )  plus it helps me unwind…forget about the worries for an hour or two once a week.  Am also inspired by their parent’s, Chris and Gil, for their 3Es towards their kids…parang bottomless ice tea lang….so refreshing.

Next time I encounter a child with special needs…I will start to JOINING : )

The Son-rise program with Nathan has been a great eye-opener for me. It has taught and is teaching me to see and experience life from a different lens: the world as seen and experienced by Nathan. I have been working with Nathan for a short period of time but every single session has been rewarding. Through time spent with Nathan and Amor, I’ve come to appreciate that every smile returned, or laughter shared is priceless, and how moments like these are milestones in themselves. There is so much joy to be had with every interaction – even when it’s just sitting quietly and waiting to be invited into their world. Through Son-rise, I’ve even learned new things about myself: like how challenging it is for me to be quiet and still!

1.  What do you think about special kids?

In retrospect,1  I use to have a preconceived notion that children with special needs has no set of skills and abilities. That they should be institutionalized. Until I had an encounter with a child with special needs. That encounter opened my mind and altered my belief system. Now I have been working with children that are differently abled for more than ten years.

2.  What was your impression of special needs kids before and after working with Nathan (and/or Amor)? (if anything changed).

There was really nothing much different with my impression towards Nathan or Amor when compared with  my other students. However, what struck me was the kind of love and support that they are receiving from their family and the community around them. Nathan and Amor’s spirit are fueled by the  hope that their family have. A hope the celebrates every single success no matter how big or small it may be.

3.  How will your experience with Nathan (and/or Amor) affect your next encounter with a special needs child.

After working with Nathan, I can only hope that each child with special needs will also have the opportunity to explore and learn in a safe and nurturing environment created by people around them.

Nathan has improved so much thru the Son-Rise program from not making eye contacts to pointing things out and telling me what he wants! It’s an honor to be part of Nathan’s journey and it’s a wonderful feeling every time he reciprocates your loving attention to him with more eye contact and more responsiveness. I have faith that Nathan will become a normal kid playing and going to school with peers after another one or two years of Son-Rise. Spending time with Nathan taught me the importance of being patient with people and believing that everyone has amazing capabilities waiting to be developed.

Kristine Yu