Dear Mr. Beer
I'm happy to give you my initial feedback after Sofia's therapy. It's been three months now, and we're just so happy!
I don't even know where to begin. We've had an intense time, but I don't mean that in a negative way.
So we did indeed experience the delayed, defiant phase that was predicted. It was very tough, but it really passed relatively quickly. Shortly after the therapy, we went on vacation for three weeks, and the whole situation was suddenly different. In a new place, the whole family together, and no longer any daily structure. I think that also contributed to it. Regardless, we knew what had triggered Sofia's rebellious behavior.
It was only after the therapy was over that we realized how passive Sofia actually was in her perception of life. She's only 6 years old, and we assumed Sofia was simply very shy and reserved. But the way we're experiencing her now, that's not the case at all.
Sofia has developed a lot in these three months, not only mentally but also physically. We can't tell whether this is related to the therapy or not. But ultimately, it doesn't matter, because it's simply wonderful to watch! Sofia is currently going through a growth spurt, and her previously rather childlike face is changing a lot. She's not eating like a champion yet, but she does have a healthy appetite and has finally gained some weight.
The bedwetting is gone. It happened once more in these three months, but that's nothing to write home about.
Her social behavior has changed completely. Sofia has become very open. I noticed this so much in her expression. I always had the feeling there was no life in her eyes. Her gaze always seemed so dull. Now Sofia is present, and you can see joy, sadness, or whatever in her expression. Her impulsive behavior, especially towards her little sister, has improved greatly. The problem was often that Sofia—as we now know—would come home from kindergarten very frustrated and then take this frustration out on her sister. That's completely gone.
On August 10, 2015, she had her first day of school, and so far everything is going great! I had serious concerns that Sofia would have a hard time learning to write because of her lack of fine motor skills. These concerns have proven to be unfounded. She receives very kind feedback from her teacher, such as: "Very nice" and "well done." She also always does her homework on her own and always knows exactly what she has to do. I've noticed that her comprehension is amazing. I don't have to repeat anything to her anymore (unless she doesn't want to hear it ;-). As far as I can tell, she's settled in well in class. She no longer focuses on just one child; she plays with several. She really enjoys going to school, is becoming more and more self-confident, and is finally making friends.
Before therapy, there was always a lot of noise when playing with other children, and Sofia was excluded after a short time. This has also completely disappeared; one mother even approached me about it and asked what had happened to Sofia. I was so happy because Sofia was always the troublemaker, and now she's not anymore. I'm really proud and sooooo relieved. Finally, the others see Sofia for who she really is.
The first assessment meeting with the teacher will take place in a month. I'm excited to hear what she tells us.
Our initial conclusion is that the therapy has been a complete success and has enabled our daughter to lead a completely normal life. Now she has the chance to show what a great girl she is and what she's capable of. The spiral is spiraling upwards!
So, Mr. Beer, that's our news. I'll be happy to get back to you in another three months, once the six months since therapy have passed.
We would all like to thank you again for everything!!! We think of you a lot, and you're still very much in Sofia's mind, too!
Warm greetings from sunny Aargau
Daniela Berger