Sharing Love Abundantly in Special Needs Families by Gary Chapman

Author:Gary Chapman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Moody Publishers
Published: 2019-02-20T16:00:00+00:00

One couple described how their son likes to cuddle up very close. His behavior helped them identify his primary love language as physical touch. He lives with autism and speech delays, and he also seeks sensory input. His dad and mom have learned to use hugs, light touches on his back and shoulders, holding hands, and light pressure on his legs to connect with him. They put their hands on his shoulders to help him focus on what’s important so he can ignore distractions. They know that when he’s crying or upset, he needs extra physical touch like hard squeezing on his shoulders to calm him down. Using these strategies, they are able to meet his sensory needs and communicate love at the same time.

FINDING A WAY: BILL AND KENDRA

Bill and Kendra have observed how their daughter Brynn, who is nonverbal, responds powerfully to physical touch. They also know that sensitivity to physical touch magnifies the pain of medical procedures for Brynn.

Kendra describes how they support and love Brynn when she goes in for an electroencephalogram (EEG) or has an IV inserted before a surgery. “The best thing is to be consistently present, no matter what. In the hospital, I overdo the hugs, the snuggles, the cuddles. Since she also loves words of affirmation, I constantly tell her, ‘You’re strong. You’re brave. You are loved.’” Kendra smiles. “I’m with her during the procedures and the pain. Then when her dad comes in, he becomes her safe place, her happier place. It’s all about making Brynn know she’s safe and she’s loved.”

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.