Additional Needs

Fear of New Things

Posted by Rochelle Followes on 17th April 2018 Additional Needs, Advice & Support, Disabilities

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In an ideal world, Zachariah would be able to access everything without worrying about accessibility, adaptations, and barriers.

Usually, our biggest battle is down to Zachariah being in a wheelchair and needing changing places.

However, another huge struggle is his epilepsy and the worries over triggering a seizure.

I've declined party invites, play dates, and trips out because of this, and disregarded holiday destinations.

And now I wonder if I've over thought everything and almost regret not going to a lot of the events I've said, "no", too.

I mean, his epilepsy does need to be taken seriously, and there have been times when there was no option but to say, "no".

However, I can't help thinking that Zachariah's missed a few opportunities that could have been enjoyed.

One activity, in particular, is bowling.

The music, the lights, the crowds.

It's one big party and one big bag of stimulation that could trigger Zachariah's epilepsy.

Not only this, but there's the fact that Zachariah may not get anything out of rolling a ball into skittles.

And of course, the dreaded toileting issue, we so desperately need resolving... So why risk it?

I think sometimes I let my worry unfold that much that I lose sight of the initial worry and get lost in an unreasonable state of mind.

I had let this beat me up so badly that I had just written bowling off completely.

But like anything, things should always be reassessed.

And that's exactly what I did over Easter. I told the husband that it was time to try something new.

Zachariah was the healthiest he had been for a long time and we needed to make the most of it.

Going bowling for the first time.

We invited his Auntie and Uncle, spoke to the bowling place about our needs and got it booked.

And what an amazing idea it was, as Zachariah had the time of his life. He smiled, he giggled and he only went and won the first game!

He absolutely loved the atmosphere and having the independence to join in. And yes, it did get too much halfway through, but having the tools to accommodate for this made it possible.

We popped on his ear defenders, pulled his hood over and let him nap.

Once refreshed, he joined in once again.

I feel so happy that this worked out, and dare I say it... I feel proud of us as a family for conquering the fear and doing something new that initially scared us.

I now look forward to going bowling again and who knows, Zachariah may get another party invite that we can say yes to!

Up next... The Cinema! Watch this space.

Much love,

Rochelle (My Daily Miracle) xx