A New Westminster mom wants the public to know how important it is to donate to Variety – the Children’s Charity after being on the receiving end of a grant.
Shannon Watts’ son Ryker was diagnosed with severe ADHD at the age of five. When he got to kindergarten, she admits she no idea how bad it would get.
“He ran off school grounds. ... 13 times,” Watts told the Record. “He would be very violent with his education assistant or even me, and destructive as well, too. He would take other children’s artwork off the wall and rip it into pieces, and things like that.”
Last January, the school informed the family Ryker could only attend half days because of his behaviour. Watts’ personal life also took a hit when Ryker’s father left. Since Ryker’s dad was the main support for child care, Watts had to go on a stress leave from work, and she’s still at home with her son until things get sorted out.
Ryker’s first assessment was with an occupational therapist, who recommended he attend sessions regularly. Watts looked into whether her work covered the private meetings but found out it didn’t.
She then applied for a Variety grant and was successful. The charity approved 36 occupational therapy (OT) sessions, which started last October.
“Without him going to these OT sessions, despite all the work the school has done, I don’t think that he would be in school. It came to a point where they were ready to kick him out,” she said.
Watts said she’s seen a huge difference in Ryker’s behaviour because of the therapy, including expressing that he’s upset before he reacts, and taking more of an interest in writing and school.
Going to occupational therapy on a weekly basis has also allowed him to bond with the therapist, said Watts.
“It’s the one place I don’t ever have Ryker resist going to.”
Occupational therapy has also helped Watts understand her son’s sensory needs, she said.
Ryker was recently diagnosed with a language disorder, Watts noted. She hopes Variety will come through once again and provide funding for a language pathologist.
“There is little to no government funding for children with these diagnoses, so getting these therapies that my child desperately needs are left to me,” said Watts, adding she wants to eventually go back to work. “I never thought that I would be on the receiving end, but I am so grateful that Variety is here to help.”
The Variety Show of Hearts Telethon, which raises money to help B.C.’s special needs children, is on Feb. 12. Donations can be made online at variety.bc.ca or by phone at 604-310-KIDS.
