The struggle for every word

Roma is from Pereshchepyne, Dnipro region. He is an open and curious boy who is eager to learn new things and sincerely rejoices in his achievements. Every new skill he gains is the result of perseverance and regular rehabilitation.

We have known Roman for a long time. On several occasions, we have helped his family cover the cost of rehabilitation courses at the St. John’s Center.

Roma was born at 35 weeks of pregnancy. On the eighth day, he was discharged home after he began to gain weight well. However, his development was delayed. By the age of three, the only word he could say was "mom".

When Roma turned three, his parents consulted a psychiatrist. The boy was overly active, lined up toys in rows, and did not play with other children. The specialist diagnosed him with autism spectrum disorder and hyperactivity. Medication was prescribed, along with sessions with a speech therapist and a psychologist.

At the age of five, Roman completed his first rehabilitation course at the St. John’s Center, which became a real breakthrough in his development. He began to understand spoken language better, developed a pointing gesture, and showed improved concentration. He also became calmer and more open.

Roma is now preparing to start first grade. He already knows the alphabet and numbers and can identify animals, objects, and colors. However, the most important work still lies ahead – developing speech and attention.

At the St. John’s Center, Roma receives comprehensive support, including massage, physical therapy, sensory integration, and sessions with a psychologist and a speech therapist. Thanks to this, he can now stand in line at a store or clinic, form words using patterns, trace shapes with a pencil, and repeat short words. He has also begun interacting with other children – they even go down the slide together.

Romchyk is working hard to catch up with his peers in his development. Let's help him complete his next rehabilitation course, which is scheduled for February.