Adam… The Silent Hero
Adam is a four-year-old child. At the beginning of his journey, he did not have a clear medical diagnosis; however, signs of developmental delay, distraction, and hyperactivity appeared, along with indicators associated with the autism spectrum. What worried his mother the most was the absence of auditory and visual communication and his limited response to his surroundings, in addition to significant delays caused by hearing difficulties due to fluid in his ears.
Adam’s journey began when his mother turned to our partner center in Jalazone Camp, where he received an initial consultation and started therapy sessions. From there, she was referred to Dr. Waddah Malhees, who assessed Adam, requested further examinations, and recommended a neurological evaluation. Subsequently, Adam was referred to Jerusalem Princess Basma Centre, where a Comprehensive Rehabilitation journey began, accompanied by regular follow-up by Dr. Malhees at the Centre and in the Outreach, in addition to and coordination between the partner center, the rehabilitation team, and the family.
The mother describes the moment of learning about the diagnosis as shocking and painful. She went through a prolonged period of fear and anxiety after realizing that her child was facing a real challenge. She lost her sense of motivation, her psychological and physical health were affected, and she suffered from insomnia and weight loss. Despite all this, she continued Adam’s therapy without interruption and decided not to give up. She began researching and reading, enrolled in special education studies, and reviewed specialized articles and research, believing that her role as a mother is no less important than that of the therapists.
At JPBC, the support was not directed toward Adam alone, but toward his mother as well. She says:
“At Princess Basma Centre, I feel that I am receiving therapy just as Adam is. The training and psychological support I receive give me strength and patience, and teach me how to support my child at home and how to be firm without being harsh.”
She adds that every therapeutic admission Adam underwent made a significant difference, not only in the development of his skills, but also in her own psychological stability as a mother.
Over time, signs of change began to appear. Adam, who did not play, interact, or respond, started to sit, then crawl, then walk. He began to look, respond, attempt to listen, and assemble and disassemble toys. His sensory fears gradually decreased, and his mother learned how to manage these challenges at home.
Today, Adam is able to express himself in different ways. He can request some of his needs, even if only through gestures, express discomfort, defend himself, and show reactions, even if they are simple. With every achievement, the rehabilitation team celebrated him with persistence and love, until Adam himself began to notice and respond to this celebration, which strengthened his self-confidence.
The mother feels that the Centre supported not only Adam, but the entire family. Her circumstances were taken into consideration, especially after the birth of her second child, and there was always a commitment to ensure that Adam received his therapy while she felt reassured and at ease. She says:
“Being at Princess Basma Centre is a period of recovery for me, a place where I am appreciated as a mother and as a human being.”
The mother’s message to every woman going through a similar experience is clear and sincere:
“Never give in to despair. Children with autism need strong and aware mothers. This journey, despite its difficulty, is an opportunity to discover yourself and to support your child with knowledge, awareness, and patience. Search, ask, and never hesitate to seek help.”
As for her aspiration for Adam, it is simple yet profound:
that he reaches a stage where he is able to make his own choices and determine his own destiny. She describes his journey as “the journey of the silent hero”. A child who struggles quietly today, but who will one day speak and move forward with confidence and determination.
