Mothers Certified in Neurodevelopment in "Journey Towards Joy"

“Journey Towards Joy” is now in its 8th cohort of training parents raising children with developmental disabilities in the Neurodevelopmental Approach. Twenty-eight families are part of this cohort, helping their child bridge gaps in their development. But what is more amazing is that now four of these mothers have completed internships and examinations to become certified neurodevelopmental screeners themselves.

It was an emotional day as neurodevelopmental training for this 8th cohort of families was handed over to these newly certified mothers. Since it was one of the last days for me to personally engage with this cohort, several families showed up to attend the certification ceremony as well as to participate in neurodevelopmental exercises.

While handing neurodevelopmental certificates to these four new trainers, I shared that them that this was a day of true joy. Through these four women, exponentially more families will be touched, far beyond those whom I could have helped on my own.

In order to be certified, all four mothers received additional in-depth training beyond the basic training in neurodevelopment. For the past two years, they assisted in assessments as part of their internships. Each mother assessed their own clients and evaluated each client for their developmental level, following up with clients, and recommending specific neurodevelopmental activities. Their internships were concluded with a five-part examination. Upon receiving a passing score, they were each granted certification as trainers in the “Journey Towards Joy” program.

However, more than just training in neurodevelopment and sensory pathways, this “Journey Towards Joy” is about discovering joy in the midst of difficulty and suffering. All parents struggle to raise children, but families who have a child with a severe disability struggle beyond comparison. By learning more about their children with special needs, their discouragement from raising a child with a disability is being transformed into newfound joy.

One mother confessed that when she watched one of the training videos on sensory dysfunctions, she cried. At that time, her heart was saddened by the reality that her child walked alone in a chaotic world. She sympathized with her child as she put herself in his shoes. But once she learned how to help her child’s sensory issues, she experienced joy as her child slowly started to be rescued from his sensory dysfunction.

This approach does not require frequent hospital visits or expensive equipment. “Journey Towards Joy” simply uses the brain’s own natural healing abilities to reorganize and stimulate the nervous system. Surprisingly, this mother confessed that this approach also has the hope to heal her child’s emotional wounds and trauma. This is because this method is not just a training methodology but also a communication of love. Sorrow, pain, and fear deeply embedded in this mother’s heart is also being healed and transforming her sorrow into joy.

I will forever remember these families. Their spirit of tenacity and endurance in the midst of trying circumstances will always encourage me. They are true heroes. These parents have taught me how to be more loving, patient, and long-suffering. Their children have taught me to be thankful for the basic, small blessings and achievements in life. Each child, each family is so precious, and I will always be grateful for the privilege of serving them these past three years.