Change mindset of a physically disabled child Peru

Losing a loved one is one of the greatest challenges we can face. Although death is a natural part of life, the pain can be overwhelming, especially when the loss has been anticipated for a long time. This prolonged grief can plunge us into sadness and confusion, leaving a deep emotional impact.

When a child passes away, the recovery process feels unimaginable. Parents experience intense emotions, with many describing it as being trapped in a dream from which they cannot wake. In cases of children with disabilities and delicate prognoses, parents often anticipate the grief, allowing them to provide a better quality of life for their child in their final days. This anticipatory grief can be less dramatic, giving families time to accept the inevitable and process their emotions. However, it can also lead to feelings of helplessness, as if no effort is enough to lessen the loss.

In these situations, psychological support is crucial to help families build resilience and find healthy ways to cope with the pain. A year ago, we faced the loss of Jhon, a 13-year-old boy who, years before, had his eyes removed due to a tumor. Later, he was diagnosed with retinoblastoma and osteosarcoma in his femur. Adriana, his mother, cared for him alone, and after his passing, went through the painful process of saying goodbye to her son.

Adriana sought help from Wasi Esperanza’s psychology department to guide her through her grief. We worked with her through the stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally, acceptance. The sessions were filled with emotions, memories, and stories that brought back the essence of Jhon. Through tear-stained letters, photos, and reconciliation techniques, Adriana was able to say goodbye and begin to rebuild her life.

Today, nearly two years after Jhon’s passing, Adriana has found new strength. She works as a municipal police officer, spends time with her colleagues, engages in recreational activities, and continues to use relaxation techniques. Although Jhon’s absence is deeply felt, she remembers him with a smile and the eternal love of a mother.

Grief can stir a wide range of emotions both before and after a loss. With the support of Wasi Esperanza’s psychology department, families like Adriana's are able to manage this pain in a healthy way, allowing them to gradually return to their lives.

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Sometimes children argue, are aggressive, or act angry or defiant at home, at school, or in other settings. A conduct disorder may be diagnosed when these behaviors are unusual for the child's age and persist over time. Behavior disorders involve misbehaving and behaving in undesirable ways with others.

One of the objectives of the psychology service of the NGO Wasi Esperanza is to modify or change these negative behaviors in our users. For this reason, families come to us for help and a personalized work plan is developed. It is essential to start treatment early to ensure its effectiveness, adapting it to the needs of the child and the family.
Initially, work is done with parents through psychoeducation on positive parenting and assertive communication. Practical exercises are implemented at home, such as setting limits and rules in writing and with pictures. In addition, misbehavior is redirected with the support of the family. Stories, games and positive reinforcement are key strategies in the sessions to redirect behavior.

Appropriate behavior is essential for the child to relate better in different environments, and parents must constantly follow up. The family influences the child's values, affections and attitudes, being these patterns determinant in their behavior.

Such is the case of Mariafé, a 15-year-old adolescent diagnosed with microcephaly, left hemiparesis and epilepsy, who has presented behavioral difficulties. She is working together with her mother to modify some undesired behaviors, using rules at home, activity schedules and a behavioral notebook. However, it is essential to include all family members, as they must also share the goal of improving Mariafé's behavior and reinforcing the mother's work.
In this particular case, Mariafé, due to her diagnosis, did not have clear limits from an early age, which now makes it difficult for her to relate to others. This is a great challenge for the Wasi Esperanza team, who work together with her mother to address this situation. Although it is hard work for the family, it is not impossible.

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