PART 1 – Siyakwazi’s Therapy Block Weeks: Tailored Interventions, Tangible Progress

In term three of 2024, Siyakwazi hosted two specialised Block Weeks at our Resource Centre – one focused on cerebral palsy (CP) and the other on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These interventions are not just weeks on our calendar; they represent a cornerstone of Siyakwazi’s approach to inclusive, holistic development and tailored support for children with disabilities and their families.

What is a Block Week?

A Block Week is an intensive three- or five-day programme where children and their guardians receive personalised therapeutic interventions, resources, and guidance from our skilled team. 

Supported by therapists throughout the week – including physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists – the programme is designed to provide a focused and collaborative environment for addressing specific developmental needs. By the end of the week, each child leaves with a tailored plan to help them meet their goals and families equipped with tools to continue supporting their child’s progress at home. 

Currently the Block Weeks offered by Siyakwazi are aligned with the most prevalent disabilities of enrolled children, CP and ASD, which account for approximately 37% of children with disabilities supported by Siyakwazi’s Inclusion Programme.

Why is Block Week Important?

Block Weeks go beyond Siyakwazi’s routine therapy sessions, allowing for more in depth knowledge and skills sharing with a focus on a specific disability. For children, it’s an opportunity to engage in activities that stimulate growth and development. For guardians, it’s a safe space to learn practical techniques, ask questions, and connect with others who share similar experiences. These sessions are ideal for newly enrolled children in Siyakwazi’s programme and their guardians.

Progress is Nuanced

Developmental milestones and growth can be subtle and deeply personal. Progress during Block Weeks might not always manifest in dramatic changes but in small, meaningful steps: a new feeding position that improves comfort, a mother feeling confident enough to set boundaries, or a grandmother gaining clarity and acceptance about her grandchild’s condition.

All In A Week’s Work

Feedback from guardians attending Siyakwazi’s Block Weeks highlighted the profound and transformative impact these sessions have had on both children and their families. 

Guardians consistently shared how empowering it was to gain hands-on skills and practical strategies to support their children better. For many, this knowledge provided a sense of control they hadn’t felt before. A mother reflected, “Now I know what to do when my son gets upset. I try to stay calm and not shout – I’m learning to help him instead of making it worse.” This sense of empowerment is critical in enabling parents to handle challenges with more confidence and understanding.

The changes didn’t stop there. Families also noticed shifts in their household dynamics. Small adjustments, like approaching discipline differently or creating time to connect with their children, made a big difference. One mother shared, “Since I started playing with my son and letting him make choices, I see his sister now treats him better too. Our whole family is changing.” These moments highlight how much progress can ripple out to benefit the entire family.

Perhaps most heartening was the parent-to-parent support that grew during the Block Weeks. For many parents, seeing others facing similar challenges offered a new sense of belonging and reassurance. “I used to think I was the only one,” said a grandmother, “but now I see other families like ours. I don’t feel so alone anymore.” Parents felt less isolated and more confident in embracing their roles, learning to let go of the blame and focus on their child’s needs. This transformation – from isolation and self-doubt to acceptance and hope – is what makes the Block Weeks so impactful for families navigating the journey of raising a child with a disability.

Read more: Part 2 – Acceptance, Healing and Skills: CP Block Week or Part 3 – Stories of Resilience: ASD Block Week.

Thank you to every guardian, therapist, and supporter who made these Block Weeks possible in 2024. For more information on our interventions or how you can support our work, please contact [email protected].