"The transformative power of specialised care and empathy"

My daughter's journey, though initially appearing like that of any other 9-year-old, quickly diverged as her struggles with basic tasks became evident. Diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), understanding and addressing her needs posed significant challenges for us as parents. Amidst these difficulties, her encounter with an infection last year marked the beginning of a complex and emotional medical journey, leading us to seek treatment that could accommodate her unique needs.

Navigating Infection and Initial Hurdles:

The journey commenced with my daughter's battle against an infection causing swelling in her chin. Despite our efforts to administer antibiotics, her aversion to medication posed a formidable challenge. As the infection persisted, her distress intensified, leading to her eventual trip to A&E for further assessment. It was during this tumultuous period that we realized the importance of holistic and specialised care tailored to her specific sensory sensitivities.

First Attempt at Day Surgery:

Amidst apprehension, my daughter underwent her first day surgery at the Maxillofacial Clinic. Despite careful preparation and the compassionate guidance of professionals like Alexandra, her overwhelming anxiety hindered the procedure, necessitating its postponement. The experience underscored the necessity of a nuanced approach that acknowledged and accommodated her unique challenges.

Second Attempt and the Role of Play Therapy:

Determined to provide my daughter with the care she needed, we embarked on a second attempt at surgery. This time, armed with insights gained from previous experiences, she received play therapy from Jane, which played a pivotal role in alleviating her anxiety. Despite initial resistance, her gradual acceptance, coupled with the delicate handling of medical professionals, led to a successful procedure.

Hospital admission and the Intervention of Dr. Kyle:

The days following surgery were fraught with challenges as my daughter's refusal to eat, drink, or speak necessitated her admission to the children's ward. It was during this period that we encountered Dr Kyle, whose specialized approach and understanding of my daughter's needs marked a significant turning point in her treatment journey. Dr. Kyle's expertise and compassionate care provided us with much-needed reassurance and support.

Breakthrough with Psychologist Amber:

Amidst the challenges of hospitalization, my daughter's breakthrough came with an assessment by psychologist Amber. With keen insight and empathy, Amber identified a potential Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile in my daughter, prompting us to adjust our approach as parents accordingly. The subsequent changes in our interactions with her yielded remarkable results, with my daughter exhibiting newfound willingness to engage in essential activities such as eating and drinking.

Conclusion:

As my daughter returns to school, her journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of specialised care and empathy. The intervention of professionals like Amber, alongside the unwavering support of the paediatrics team at Musgrove, has been instrumental in my daughter's progress. Though challenges persist, my daughter's remarkable resilience and the compassionate care she received offer hope for a future where she can navigate the world with confidence and self-assurance. We are deeply grateful for the invaluable contributions of all those involved in my daughter's treatment journey, whose dedication and expertise have made a profound difference in her life.

Amber is continuing to support my daughter and others like her and for this we are so thankful - Using a different approach based on Amber's time with my daughter have helped her make progress with toiletry issues she has faced since being a toddler so this is very much appreciated.